Light Bulb Lineup: Comparing Incandescent Bulbs with CFLs and LEDs

Learn everything you always wanted to know about light bulbs but were afraid to ask in this QUEST article: http://ow.ly/mgICJ

By David Huppert
Producer, QUEST North Carolina

According to the EPA, the average U.S. home has about 30 light fixtures. And most of them are probably filled with traditional incandescent bulbs. By switching to more energy-efficient models you can save hundreds of dollars a year.

Specs for bulbs used in demo:
Incandescent
Philips 40 watt Soft White
Brightness: 470 lumens
Estimated Yearly Energy Cost: $4.82
Life Duration: 0.9 years
Light Appearance: 2710 K
Energy Used: 40 watts
Price: $1.47 per 4-Pack (Home Depot, May 24, 2014)

CFL
ecosmart 40-watt equivalent Soft White
Brightness: 550 lumens
Estimated Energy Cost: $1.08
Life Duration: 9.1 years
Light appearance: 2700 K
Energy used: 9 watts
Price: $6.97 per 4-Pack (Home Depot, May 24, 2014)

LED
CREE 40-watt replacement Warm White
Brightness: 450 lumens
Estimated Yearly Energy Cost: $0.72
Life Duration: 22.8 years
Light Appearance: 2700 K
Energy Used: 6 watts
Price: $9.97 Each (Home Depot, May 24, 2014)

Credits:
Produced and edited by David Huppert
Shot by Mike O'Connell
Graphics by Heather Dollar
Music by David Lott