Full Spectrum compact fluorsecent light bulbs are now available.  These light bulbs produce a white light that produces a light spectrum similar to that of the Sun’s light. This type of light source has been use used to treat Sleep Phase Disorders, Seasonal affective disease or winter blues, and other conditions.

Look for bulbs with full spectrum on CFL bulb labels.  They do not cost much more.

This malady is finally getting more press. A recent article has additional tips on beating this syndrome. Light therapy, Dawn simulation, Negative Air Ions, Antidepressants, Behavioural Therapy, Vitamin D, Diet, and and Outdoor Exercise are therapies to help ease the Winter Blues.

Philips even has a new Wake-up Light with Dock for iPod

“Gradually wakes you up by light for a more pleasant feeling”

EDN is reporting that some CFLs suffer from poor power factor that causes more power use. These power losses don’t show up directly on our electricity bill, but the utilities sure see the effects.

Costco has a PGE instant rebates on Feit Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs in any San Francisco Bay Area locations.

A 10 pack of 13 Watt bulbs (100 watt replacement) costs only $6.49

An 8 pack of 23 Watt bulbs (100 watt replacement) costs only $7.19

Several other varieties are avialable.

LED Light bulbs are finally coming down in cost. They use 90% less power than incandescent bulbs, which is even LESS than compact fluorescent lightbulbs. (CFL) A 40 watt LED bulb uses only 1.5 watts versus about 8-10 watts for CFLs. Lights of America may be overstating the light output at 40 watts though. Westinghouse has their 3 watt LEDs rated for 7 to 20 watt.

They are rated for about 30,000 hours versus about 6,000-12,000 for CFLs. Westinghouse rates their at 50,000hrs. They contain no mercury so they can be disposed of normally, unlike CFLs.

Costco and a local Ace Hardware carry them for under $10. Prices should drop further and light output should rise as volumes increase.

Consider them for when you need new bulbs.