Some Say Light Bulb Transition Not A Bright Idea

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Starting next year, the incandescent light bulb will be phased out in favor of more energy-efficient bulbs but not everyone is happy about the change.

It might bring your electric bill back down to earth, but some just don't want to give up what they've always known. One woman, who stopped by Kilian Hardware in Chestnut Hill, did a little bit of hoarding.

"She bought probably close to 1000 light bulbs in total," said Russell Goudy, owner of the hardware store.

Goudy says the customer wanted to have enough of the old-style bulbs to last the rest of her life, because she didn't like the light from the newer CFLs.

Many also have a designer's eye when considering the changeover. "Seeing the color of your upholstery, the color of your carpet, the richness of it, the tint of it - that changes a bit under the compact flourescent," said Al Borden, principal at Philadelphia design firm, The Lighting Practice.

He says manufacturers are working on getting the light right and to look more like the incandescents.

"Ones that dim more easily, ones that cost less, ones that live longer, and ones that have better color. Of course, there's a big growth in LED lighting, light-emitting diode, so eventually you'll see them come into play more so in residential uses. Right now, we're just in a big period of transition," Borden said.

However, with issues like mercury in CFLs and the interference they can cause with electronic equipment, Borden expects LEDs and other types to come down in price and earn a place on store shelves and in your home.

"That's why things like the halogen capsule lamps are getting more efficient, more adaptable to residential uses," Borden said.

Reported by Ian Bush, KYW Newsradio