Blind-tested: incandescents vs. eco bulbs

We love blind tests, especially when they dispel urban myths. The Energy Saving Trust did just that in its lightbulb challenge, which tested the difference between traditional and energy-efficient lightbulbs on the public.

Although we've been told numerous times -- latest by The Observer's Lucy Siegle in her column yesterday -- that energy-saving lightbulbs now can outshine old-fashioned incandescent ones on cosiness, some of us still believe the eco bulbs have that unattractive blue-ish tint.

Well, the Evergy Saving Trust decided to copy the 'Pepsi Challenge' and do a Carbon Challenge of its own, to see if people really can see the difference between the oldies and the new compact fluorescent bulbs. For the test, The Energy Saving Trust set up the two identical booths at Bluewater Shopping Centre with a mini-lounge in each. One was lit with a traditional lightbulb and one was lit with an Energy Saving Recommended eco bulb.

Although 70 per cent of the 761 shoppers that were asked to step inside the booths thought they could spot the difference, 53 per cent got it wrong or admitted they couldn't see any difference. A whopping 64 per cent of the guinea pigs said they preferred the light in booth A, which was in fact the energy-saving lightbulb. Well that shows us. It's good to know that next time we need to change a lightbulb, we really can get one that'll save us money and energy -- and give us a soft, glowing light, too.

Check out the test yourself in the video below.

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