Energy-Savers We Recommend
Tested by the Good Housekeeping Research Institute

Best of the Test
Overall winner: Satco Energy Saving Mini Spiral Bulb 13W, $3.49, 800-437-2826 for locations. Budget buy: Great Value Soft White Compact Fluorescent Bulbs, $7.58 per 4-pack, walmart.com.

Covered Champ
Sylvania Soft White Compact Fluorescent 14W, $7, 800-544-4828, sylvania.com for locations, was the top covered (conventional-looking) bulb, though our testers preferred light from the twisty-style bulbs in general.

Make the Switch
The Good Housekeeping Research Institute recommends the Lutron Skylark EcoDim Dimmer, $25.60, lutron.com for locations, which caps light output at 85 percent. Testers didn't mind the lower lighting, so you likely won't, either.