Energy Reviews the Top LED Replacement Bulbs

Ambit Energy anticipates more and more homeowners will switch to LED light bulbs as prices start to drop, making them more affordable. Due to the rising popularity of LED bulbs, Ambit Energy has compiled the accompanying list of the top LED replacement bulbs to help you compare such factors as efficiency, lifespan, warranty and more.

According to recent reports, the number of Americans buying LED bulbs has doubled in the last two years, to around 66 percent. LEDs are prized for their energy efficiency, brightness and longevity. We have previously covered helpful tips on how to pick the best light bulb to increase energy efficiency for your home, which you can continue to use as a resource.

Ambit Energy hopes the reviews of LED replacement bulbs below will give you a better understanding of the product options available.

Cree’s 60W Replacement LED

• Price: less than $10
• Lifespan: 25,000 hours (or 22.8 years based on 3 hours of use per day)
• Estimated yearly energy cost: $1.32 (based on 3 hrs. per day, 11 kWh)
• Warranty: 10 years
• Lumens per watt (efficiency): 79
• Cree’s original LED bulb remains a popular choice since its debut in 2013. CNET has praised the bulb for its satisfactory performance, superior efficiency and warranty. Overall, this bulb packs much value at an affordable price.

Philips 60W Replacement Bulb

• Price: $5
• Lifespan: 25,000 hours (or 22.8 years)
• Estimated yearly energy cost: $1.02 (based on 3 hrs. per day, 11 kWh)
• Warranty: 3 years
• Lumens per watt (efficiency): 79
• This bulb arrived in May 2015 with much fanfare because of its low cost. Consumers can purchase the bulb for as little as $5 at major home improvement stores. CNET noted its exceptional efficiency and excellent light quality. The only downsides are that the LED bulb isn’t dimmable and its lifespan isn’t as long as its competitors.

GE BrightStik

• Price: $10 for a three-pack
• Lifespan: 15,000 hours (or 13.7 years based on 3 hours of use per day)
• Estimated yearly energy cost: $1.20 (based on 3 hrs. per day, 11 kWh)
• Warranty: 5 years
• Lumens per watt (efficiency): 79
• This budget-friendly LED is excellent for standard household lighting. But the bulb isn’t as bright as other LEDs. The product’s five-year warranty is “one of the best you’ll find at this price point,” according to CNET.

EcoSmart 13-Watt (60W) LED A19

• Price:  $25
• Lifespan: 25,000 hours (about 23 years)
• Lumens per watt (efficiency): 71
• Estimated yearly energy cost: $1.57 (based on 3 hrs/day, 11/kWh.)
• Warranty: 5 years
• Good Housekeeping praised the EcoSmart product, noting that consumers enjoyed its brightness and how it cast light evenly. The bulb can replace an A19 or 60-watt bulb. The EcoSmart bulb is dimmable, which can help conserve energy over its lifespan.

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SOLAR PLANTS CREATE JOBS

SOLAR PLANTS CREATE JOBS

The U.S. economy has experienced a great deal of turmoil in recent years, with many Americans spending months or even years on unemployment while competing for fewer jobs in a contracting marketplace. Green energy, however, has given many individuals a second chance to make a living.

Three members of the Starr family lost their jobs at a window and door manufacturing plant in 2008, according to a recent article from Suntech Power. The mother, father and son, all qualified employees in the manufacturing business, have found work in a local solar plant.

“Solar is still in its infancy as far as the world is concerned,” Mike Starr told Suntech. “It’s a huge growth industry that’s making a tangible impact on a better future.”

The solar industry remains largely untapped in terms of an employment options. One common misconception is that the industry only provides career opportunities for those with an engineering or technical background, yet the industry has a number of positions for individuals with marketing, sales and IT backgrounds as well. However, because most solar manufacturers are still largely "under the radar," searching for job postings may take a little more effort than traditional job offerings. However, this may also mean less competition for job seekers, and so can provide a great opportunity for those willing to look.