Putting bulbs to test

By Catherine Mallette | McClatchy Newspapers • Published October 04, 2008

Compact fluorescent bulbs, say the folks at Consumer Reports, can save energy and money, and new versions provide nice, bright white light.

In the October issue of the magazine, the editors debunk common myths about the bulbs and give the results of their tests of 685 bulbs.

All burned for at least 3,000 hours (three times as long as incandescents). Here are the

longest-lasting:

• GE Long Life 41525, $4.50. Widely available.

• N:Vision 423-599, $2. Available at Home Depot.

• Feit Ecobulb ESL13T, $2.25.Widely available.

• Feit Ecobulb Plus ESL13T/Eco, $2.66. Widely available.

• Great Value CFL13ROHS, $1.75. Available at Wal-Mart.