Now that darkness is encroaching more into our lives and the days are getting shorter, the magic word is “light.”
But not just any kind of light. The choices are growing in number.
Compact fluorescent lamps are now ready to compete with traditional incandescent bulbs after a difficult apprenticeship.
“Five or six years ago, when compact fluorescent lamps first came out, they flickered and made a humming noise and had a harsh color,” says Ray Rattray, product marketing manager for compact fluorescent lamps at Osram Sylvania, “but now there are lamps with no flicker, no humming and with a soft, white light.”
The quality of fluorescent lamps has improved, but another of their important features is their energy efficiency. The U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency have joined together to create the Energy Star label, which identifies fluorescent lights that save energy and meet certain standards of quality.
According to an Energy Star Fact Sheet, “Energy Star-labeled light fixtures use 50 to 70 percent less energy than an incandescent or halogen lamp with an equivalent light output. The initial purchase price on Energy Star-rated light fixtures may be higher than conventional incandescent or halogen fixtures, but the energy savings more than offset this initial price, and can help save money on monthly utility bills.” (For more information about the Energy Star label, call 888-STAR-YES.)
Fluorescent lights are now more appealing, too, because they come in a number of different styles and sizes, so they can be used throughout the house and outdoors. There are models for table lamps and desk lamps, wall sconces and chandeliers and for security lighting.
Natural light gets scarce at this time of year, but manufacturers are producing lamps that replicate the rays of the sun. These lamps make colors in the home appear the way they were meant to be seen and make everything they illuminate sharper and clearer.
Novelty lights are also becoming popular, whether they are designed to be put inside drawers or to make plants grow all year long.
“We’re all looking for everything to be done automatically for us these days,” says Alan Schulman, president of Glentronics Inc., “so these kinds of lights fit into the do-it-for-me mode that we’re all in.”
Some products to light up the home in new ways are described below, along with their suggested retail prices. Contact the listed manufacturers for help in finding a retailer in your area that carries a specific item.
TRADITIONAL LOOK
The series of Mini Compact Fluorescent Lights from MaxLite makes it easy to decide to replace incandescent bulbs because these new bulbs come in the traditional, familiar shapes and they are designed to fit almost all typical residential lighting fixtures. The line includes the MiniBulb, which resembles the light bulb we all know; MiniGlobes, which are just right for bathroom vanity fixtures; MiniCandles; and MiniCapsules. These bulbs are available in 3 and 5 watts, which provide a soft, low illumination, as well as in lights with 11, 15 and 20 watts–replacing 40-, 60- and 75-watt incandescent bulbs, respectively. The Mini Lights, which last 10 to 13 times longer than incandescent bulbs and use 70 percent less energy, are a part of the EPA’s Energy Star Compact Fluorescent Lamps program. Prices: $12 each. MaxLite, SK America Inc., 60E Commerce Way, Totowa, NJ 07512. Phone: 800-555-5MAX.
FLICKER-FREE
Osram Sylvania has made three additions to its line of DULUX EL compact fluorescent lamps. They include the Globe, which is shorter in height than traditional bulbs, and the even smaller Bullet. Both can be used in open fixtures, indoors as well as outdoors. The Circline, a circular tube, is also new to the line. It is designed to be used in table lamps, where it brings the light closer to the shade so that it can better illuminate a room. The manufacturer points out that these lamps do not flicker like past fluorescents, and they produce a bright, white light. To help consumers enhance the atmosphere of their homes, Osram Sylvania has created a booklet, with color photographs of interiors and exteriors, called “Guide to Entertaining with Light.” It offers a number of charts, including one on how best to use fluorescent bulbs. Call for a free copy. Prices on the bulbs: $12.99-$19.99. Osram Sylvania, 100 Endicott St., Danvers, MA 01923. Phone: 800-544-4828.
FRIENDS OF THE ARTS
The SoLux lamp illuminates with a beam that resembles natural daylight. It is being used in a number of museums across the country because, in contrast to the yellow hue of incandescent bulbs’ light, the white light of SoLux brings out the true colors of works of art, according to the manufacturer. The light is designed so that ultraviolet rays, which can fade colors, are blocked and infrared rays, which cause heat damage, are substantially reduced. SoLux also offers a 50-watt bulb that can be used in MR-16 track lighting and table and desk lamps; a task lamp that can be used on a desk or for reading that has a weighted base and an adjustable arm and head equipped with the bulb; and a clip-on lamp with bulb. Prices: $14.95 for the 50-watt bulb, $149.95 for the task lamp and bulb; $99.95 for the clip-on lamp and bulb. EiKO Ltd., 23220 W. 84th St., Shawnee, KS 66227. Phone: 800-852-2217.
SUNSHINE BRIGHT
Verilux has introduced a series of Natural Spectrum light bulbs that are designed to replicate sunlight. According to the manufacturer, these bulbs filter out the excessive yellow part of the spectrum to create a white light that increases the contrast between black and white and reduces eyestrain. The bulbs, which are designed to last 5,000 hours, are available in a 100-watt standard frost model, a 150-watt flood/reflector model, and the 40-watt frosted globe called the Beauty Light. Verilux also offers the Rise & Shine Alarm Clock, which comes with their 100-watt bulb and will fade out slowly at night like the setting sun and come on gradually like the morning sunrise. The soothing light is accompanied by a choice of sounds from nature, ranging from blowing wind, rain with thunder, bird songs, forest noises, and whales and surf. Prices: $7.95-$9.95 for the Natural Spectrum light bulbs, $199 for the Rise & Shine Natural Alarm Clock. Verilux, 9 Viaduct Rd., Stamford, CT 06907. Phone: 800-786-6850.
SOCK SORTER
The SockLight from Glentronics will be a welcome amenity for anyone who has to fumble around in a drawer in the dark to find the right socks while trying not to wake up a sleeping partner. This battery-powered light attaches inside the front of a drawer with a velcro pad. Motion activated, it turns on when the drawer is opened and produces a light similar to sunlight so even slight differences between navy blue socks and black ones is obvious. The 9-volt battery is not included. Glentronics also manufactures Timely Lighting Care, which is nicknamed the Intelligent Plant Light. This black lamp has a stand for a potted plant, such as an orchid. The light can be set to turn on and off automatically to imitate the daylight cycle of any season. It also features a sensor that can be placed in the soil so a light will flash when the plant needs watering. Prices: $7.94 for the SockLight, $39 for Timely Lighting Care. Glentronics, Inc., 2053 Johns Drive, Glenview, IL 60025-1674. Phone: 800-991-0466.
