Want a more energy-efficient light bulb, but don’t like how CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) need to warm up to achieve full brightness or want to pay $20 to $50 or more for energy-efficient LED (light emitting diode) lamps?
GE Lighting is introducing a hybrid halogen-CFL bulb and aimed at those who want more immediate brightness in an energy-saving bulb. The hybrid halogen-CFL bulbs combine attributes of three popular lighting technologies: An instantly bright halogen capsule is nestled inside the swirl of a compact fluorescent light bulb, inside the shape of the familiar incandescent glass bulb. The halogen element comes on instantly and turns off once the CFL comes to full brightness, preserving the energy efficiency of the bulb.
“It looks like an incandescent in size and shape but it’s really three bulbs in one,” observes Kristin Gibbs, general manager of consumer marketing, GE Lighting. “It’s an optimal choice for use in hallways, stairways, kitchens, bathrooms and anywhere immediate brightness is essential. Simply flip that light switch and it’s at your service—immediately.”
These new GE CFLs offer eight times the life of incandescent bulbs (8,000 hours vs. 1,000 hours). The new products—RoHS-compliant 15- and 20-watt GE Energy Smart Soft White (2700 Kelvin) and Reveal (2500 Kelvin) CFLs with low levels of mercury (1 mg) can replace standard 60- and 75-watt incandescent bulbs or other CFLs that don’t offer a satisfactory quality of light or instant brightness. Currently available CFLs contain 1.5 mg to 3.5 mg of mercury.
Retailers set prices but customers could expect to pay $5.99 to $9.99, based on product line and wattage. The bulbs will be available nationwide by Earth Day 2011 (April 22).
Beginning in 2012 and continuing through 2014, many standard incandescent light bulbs will not be available as a result of U.S. lighting efficiency standards. Starting in January 2012, 100-watt incandescent bulbs must be 25 percent to 30 percent more efficient. The same stands for 75-watt bulbs in January 2013 and 60- and 40-watt bulbs in January 2014. The more efficient standards will likely result in a phase-out of incandescent bulbs.