The light bulb test: How best to use today’s energy-efficient choices in the house

Kelvin temperature colors

• 2700-3000 provides a soft, warm white similar to that of incandescent bulbs.

• 3500-4100 provides a cool, bright white.

• 5000-6500 provides a cold light similar to natural or daylight.

Cleaning up a broken CFL bulb

• Have people and pets leave the room.

• Air out the room for 5 to 10 minutes by opening a window or door.

• Shut off central forced air heating/ air-conditioning systems.

• Scoop up glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or cardboard. Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up remaining small glass fragments and powder. Use damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes on hard surfaces.

• DO NOT VACUUM until after all other cleanup steps have been taken. Vacuuming could spread mercury-containing powder or mercury vapor.

• Put all debris and cleanup materials, including vacuum cleaner bags, outdoors in a trash container or protected area.

• Check with your local government about disposal requirements in your area. If there is no such requirement in your area, dispose of the materials with your household trash.

• If you have further questions, please call your local poison control center at 800-222-1222.

Still confused?

Picture Perfect Interiors, 11922 College Blvd., Overland Park, is hosting a free panel discussion with lighting experts at 6 p.m. Thursday. They’ll have several types of bulbs on hand for comparison and will give advice on choosing bulbs with the right amount of lumens and Kelvin Temperature for different rooms and uses. For more information, call 913-829-3365.

This story was originally published March 21, 2014 at 1:00 PM with the headline "The light bulb test: How best to use today’s energy-efficient choices in the house."