Raise your hand if you’re guilty of still using incandescent light bulbs. I can’t be the only one.
Don’t get me wrong, we have several compact fluorescents throughout the house, our living room fixture takes halogens and our basement is still decked out with the old-school fluorescent tubes. But you and I both know that many of those CFLs are pretty crappy. The light from them feels dingy to me and it does no favours for my family’s naturally pasty, white and sickly skin complexion (unless grey and blotchy is your thing). And let’s not even get into the fact that they contain mercury which is a whole other health and safety and disposal issue.
So, yeah, I’ll admit it. I was still buying incandescent lights for the kitchen. It’s really important to have good quality light in the kitchen — especially if, hypothetically, you installed two big, chrome pendant lights and then haven’t had a chance to get around to the complimentary recessed cabinet lighting you planned.
I tried to do right by the environment and my electricity bill by shopping for top quality, energy efficient light bulb. I really did. I mean, come one, changing those incandescent bulbs every two weeks was starting to feel like a part time job. But every time I looked at the array of light bulb options my stomach would start churning. There are so many out there and they are not cheap, either. I am more than happy to pay for a light bulb that will actually give off a clear and bright light, but I don’t want to have to spend over a hundred dollars test driving several in order to find it. I’m starting to sweat just thinking about it.
So of course I jumped at the chance to try out a couple Philips LED light bulbs. These are even more energy efficient than fluorescents and are supposed to last longer. I was sent the 12.5W LED Household bulb and the 13W Philips LED BR30 indoor flood light. If only the light quality would stand up to an incandescent, my bulb anxiety could be cured.
I kid you not, dear readers, these light bulbs rock. They are actually brighter and whiter than the incandescent bulbs I was using. My kitchen has never been this bright. (Note to husband: we still need to finish that recessed lighting.)(Note to self: the floor is filthy.)
I am incredibly pleased and a total convert to LED light bulbs. Here’s a link to a PDF so you can check out the whole range of Philips LED products:
Philips Consumer LED Fact Sheet