Color rendering, or CRI, is a metric that helps reveal how true, or realistic, colors will appear when lit by the bulb. Bulbs that list a high CRI, 90 and above, will be the best of the lot and reveal the beauty of your furnishings, flooring and finishes better than the average LED bulb. Homes with subtle variations in color and mixtures of natural materials will look best with bulbs that have a CRI of 95 or above. Direction is not listed on the label, though many manufacturers put tags on the packaging that read “omnidirectional.” Check the shape of the lamp; if it has a solid section for heat sink or electronics, the bulb will push more light in one direction.
Typical LED bulbs will state 13.7 years of life, based on three hours of use per day, while a few will list 22 years or more. Longer-life bulbs will require replacement less often, saving you money in the long run. The estimated yearly energy cost should be low; that of a typical 60-watt equivalent is less than $1.15. Purchase prices vary widely, but a 60-watt-equivalent basic LED bulb should cost less than $1.50. Expect to pay more for longer-life bulbs or specialty bulbs.
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