Some consumers still in the dark about lightbulb switch

Most Americans still use incandescent bulbs to light their homes, but a new survey found that come January, 53 percent of the respondents plan on switching to energy-saving CFLs, LEDs or halogen bulbs. Finally, a New Year's resolution that doesn't involve counting calories.

The impetus for the big switch is the phase-out of 100-watt incandescent bulbs that begins on January 1. These bulbs can no longer be made or imported, but existing stock can be sold until it runs out. Surprisingly, the Sylvania Socket Survey found that less than a third of those surveyed knew the 100-watt was fading away. The survey is based on a random sample of 303 adults interviewed by telephone in October and, with such a small sample, we're not sure what conclusions we can safely draw. So it's with caution that we take a look at the other findings:

Survey says: 73 percent said it's important that their bulbs are made in America.
Our take: Good luck. Most CFLs are made in China, and while LED chips and final assembly may be done here only one of the 10 LEDs we tested was made in the U.S. Most incandescents, including halogen, are also made abroad.

Survey says: About 90 percent consider brightness, longevity, and price the most important factors when choosing a bulb.
Our take: Those factors are key, but also look how much energy the bulb uses, or watts, if you want to save money. You want a bulb that gives the desired brightness, expressed in lumens, at the lowest watts. And find out what color of light the bulb gives off. You may not think it's a big deal, but when it comes to unflattering light, you'll know it when you see it. The Lighting Facts Label on the package will state if the light is warm, like a standard incandescent, or a cooler white or blue light. If there isn't a label, look for the Kelvin temperature. It ranges from 2700 to 6500; the lower the number, the warmer the light color.

Survey says: 30 percent will continue using regular incandescent bulbs but will switch to lower wattages, such as 75-watt bulbs.
Our take: Okay, but keep in mind they're not as bright as 100-watt bulbs and you may be disappointed. And heads up: 75-watt bulbs are being phased out starting in January 2013.

Our labs have been busy testing energy-saving replacements for 100-watt bulbs and we'll publish our findings online in several weeks and in the February issue of Consumer Reports magazine. Until then, don't stay in the dark. See our Ratings of CFLs and LEDs that replace bulbs under 100-watts.

—Kimberly Janeway