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To the Editor: 

I just received a call from a disability group selling long-life light bulbs and several other products. I appreciate the fact that they are trying to provide a service by selling usable products rather than just asking for donations outright. Unfortunately, long life lightbulbs are a disservice to their customers.  

By far, the biggest cost in lighting is the cost of the electricity consumed. With a standard 100W incandescent light bulb, you typically spend $12.60 on electricity (lowest residential rate) compared to $1 or less for the bulb itself. The most cost efficient lighting for residential use is fluorescent lighting which produces four times the light output per watt (or dollar of electricity) and has ten times the life of standard incandescent light bulbs. The new triphosphor fluorescent lights with the electronic ballast are even better – far better light quality with absolutely no flicker or annoying hum. The next step down is quartz halogen bulbs with twice the light output per watt and twice the life of standard incandescent light bulbs.  

Standard light bulbs are designed for 750-1000 hours usage. Long life lightbulbs are made with a slightly longer filament which reduces the temperature of the bulb and shifts the color even more to the red end of the spectrum. This greatly reduces the light output at the same cost for electricity. If you want less light, you should buy a lower wattage standard life light bulb.  

Actually, the most cost effective incandescent light bulb would be designed for 100-200 hours life. Long life lightbulbs are a big step in the wrong direction. 

Osman Vincent 

Berkeley