Light Bulbs Too Dim
The great thing about Berkeley is that someone here will know the answer to this question. Lightbulbs have changed to a new energy efficient format. A 100 watt bulb now uses 72 watts of power. Unfortunately, I feel like they are 72% as bright as what I saw before. This is driving me out of my mind....and they cost four times as much. What bulb should I buy so that I can see? Thanks in advance.
Dec 27, 2016
Parent Replies
If you have an old one that gave you good lighting, check what the LUMENS are and try to get as close to that number as possible within the wattage ratings of your fixtures. You might also test whether you prefer Soft White, Bright White/Cool White, or Daylight -- which can appear "brighter" going from left to right but will have the same "true" brightness for a given lumens number.
Actually, 75 watt bulbs now use 72 watts of power. 60 watt bulbs now use 57 watts.
You can still purchase 100 watt bulbs online, but why don't you go for LED bulbs. The 100w equivalent burns just 15w of power. They are more expensive, but they last many times longer, use very little energy, and put out great light.
Hi, I went to Batteries + Bulbs on San Pablo in El Cerrito (near Schmidt) where they have a display with several different bulbs in it so you can compare the light quality of different bulbs. It was much more effective than just reading the brightness level on the box.
I don't know what kind of bulbs you might be using. We have been intentionally switching our standard bulbs to fluorescent and LED bulbs, either of which might be the "new format" you are referring to. In both cases (particularly with LEDs) I find the bulbs are if anything TOO bright, even when the wattage is FAR lower. Perhaps you can clarify?
I suggest you get Energy Star rated LEDs.
https://www.energystar.gov/products/lighting_fans/light_bulbs/learn_abo…
I agree with you. A light bulb which use to cost $0.25 is now $10 and not as bright. It's all about energy savings, traditional incandescent lights are highly inefficient. (I think they are about 1% efficient.) Forget the compact florescent lights (CFL) and just buy LEDs. They are far more efficient, prices have dropped and they finally go the color "right". I just saw LEDs at HomeDepot and Costco for about $2.00.
I would suggest replacing all of the lights in your home with LEDs. I did and my electric bill dropped by over one third. Well worth the investment.
My sister-in-law had all LEDs installed in her new house. She said that dimmers don't work well with LEDs. (So I was blinded when I turned on the bathroom light in the morning.) Can anyone who has switched to LEDs attest to this? Perhaps they require a 'special' dimmer?
Some LEDs can be dimmed, some can't (we have almost all dim-able LEDs in our house). You'll need to check the description on the box. Price varies, but you get what you pay for. Generally name brands are more reliable in how they dim. (Advice from my husband, my "in house" handyman.)