Have you ever wondered why humans are emotionally affected by the color of light? Why do we enjoy the bright sunshine, feel its warmth, and energy? Why are we comfortable with the bluish-white “daylight” color but we are uncomfortable with that same color of light when it illuminates a room after dark?

CFLs and LEDs have found the spotlight (and scrutiny) with the impending disappearance of incandescents. Nearly everyone finds a reason to complain about these newer lamps and stock up on incandescents. Bad experiences and rumors have caused prejudice and shortsightedness among facility managers and consumers. Here’s an update to share.

CFLs

Fluorescent linear T12 lighting was the most widely used technology in commercial buildings until about 10 years ago. Now a declining technology, the rising popularity of its challengers T8 and T5 is due to better performance and energy efficiency—and most important for building owners and managers, savings in lighting costs.

With the phase-out of the Edison-base lamps, we are seeing much advancement in energy efficient lighting technology, like vapor tight fluorescent and led luminaires. However, the Edison base bulbs are not quite dead and only have a brief reprieve. They will still be available, but only short term. So why push to switch to energy efficient lighting – What’s In It For Me (WIIFM)?

Rumors are beginning Jan 1, 2012; you will not be able to buy light bulbs. The facts are: President Bush signed the Energy Independence and Security Act on December 19, 2007.