New CFL bulbs can be expensive so you need to pick the best one.
Shopping for CFL light bulbs can be confusing so we have some help for you.
Atlanta - How many dollars does it take to change a light bulb? That depends on how much you want to spend now in order to save later. Starting this year incandescent bulbs are being phased out beginning with the 100 watt variety. That's because they don't meet government standards for energy efficiency.
For now your options are compact fluorescents, known as CFL's or Halogen bulbs. Consumer reports says a CFL bulb will save you $100 dollars over it's lifetime, while the slightly brighter Halogen bulb will only save between $3 and $8.
They recommended 4 bulbs out of the 10 they tested.
1.) The utilitech 100 Watt CFL at $1.65 each
2.) The Feit CFL bulb at $2.35 each
3.) The Ecosmart CFL at $1.50 each
4.) And the Phillips energy saving halogen bulb at $ 5.50 each.
If you don't like any of the new light bulbs you can still buy incandescent bulbs, but they can no longer be made or imported in the U.S. so supplies will eventually dry up. CFL bulbs do contain trace amounts of mercury so if you break one you need to follow EPA guidelines as a precaution.