[goodwithagun]

Are the toxic bulbs and LED bulbs worth it? They certainly last much longer and use less energy; however, incandescent bulbs can be purchased four for one dollar at Walmart. Considering price, longevity, and energy, which bulbs are most economical?

[PeterPrinciple]

They certainly last much longer and use less energy;

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regarding LEDS I question that. I purchased 3 expensive leds and they are so hot I can’t touch them. My best guess there is a 120v to 12 volt transformer in the base of the bulb. Measure just the LED and they are real efficient but not the whole story.

Perception and reality are not in sync.

[KarlInOhio]

It depends on how much you use them. If it is something like a closet light you rarely turn on then incandescent is the way to go. On the other hand I have a light over an otherwise very dark stairwell that I keep on all the time in the fall and winter and about half the time in spring and summer. Figure it's on 75% of the year. At 11 cents/kWh bulbs cost about $1 per watt per year for 100% usage, so switching to fluorescent saved around $30/year, or far more than the bulb cost. LED would be a little more efficient and just generally nicer colored, but at the time CFL was much cheaper.

Right now I am switching to LED bulbs and eagerly wait for some cheaper 100-watt or 150-watt three way equivalents.