The new, energy-efficient GeoBulb uses next-generation LED lighting technology that can help reduce worldwide energy consumption by 10%. Our goal is to make the GeoBulb the first choice in long-lasting energy-efficient light bulbs.

As with any new technological advancements, there will be many new LED light bulb companies rushing to get an array of new products to market. Many performance claims will be made and many may not be true. Most of them will not be here in 10 years. Here are some points to check out with any manufacturer.

Before you purchase an LED light bulb it might be best to ask these questions:

1. How long has the company been in business?
2. Is the warranty clear? This is a measure of the company's faith in the product.
3. Do they have independent lab reports to back up their performance claims?
4. Are they UL-listed and FCC approved?
5. How long have they been in production?

Samples of GeoBulb have been turned on and off over 1 million times. This test was an excellent way to verify the durability of any circuit design. The original GeoBulb prototype is over two years old and is still working. Since high quality LEDs last 50,000 hours or more, the other components in the circuit have to be able to last as long as the LEDs. All components used in the GeoBulb are rated to last longer than the 50,000 hours expected from the LEDs themselves. This manufacturing method not only gives C. Crane full confidence in the GeoBulb during its warranty period but also means that you will likely get excellent performance well past the warranty date.

We have noticed that other manufacturers use parts that can change values after as little as 2,000 hours of run time. Energy performance can drop after that time. Light output can drop also. All components in a GeoBulb are run at a temperature well below their maximum designed operational temperature.

C. Crane uses the highest quality LED bulbs available and they are the most expensive part of the bulb. The bulbs are rated to have one of the highest light output combined with lowest energy usage and the longest life expectancy. The color rendition of our LED bulbs is stable over time. In contrast, the color of compact fluorescent bulbs can change early in their lifetime, and also light output degrades noticeably over its expected lifetime.

The newest GeoBulb has a five year warranty that covers the bulb even if it is used 24 hours a day for five years straight.

C Crane has a full-time quality control specialist inspect each production run in Asia. We also perform Quality Assurance tests when we receive the bulbs in Fortuna, California.

A cool white GeoBulb-3 has a nominal light output of 520 lumens which is similar to a 50-watt bulb. Since the light output is primarily off the top of the bulb, it can be used in a ceiling can or track light where a 60-watt bulb was previously used. It is best to try the bulb to be sure the light output and color is acceptable for your tastes and application. A common, everyday 60-watt light bulb burns well over 2,000 pounds (or one ton) of coal in five years. It gets harder every day to bring the miles of trains filled with coal to power plants. Most people alive today will see the "easy-to-get" coal depleted and costs will rise. A solar or wind generation system for your house is very expensive and takes planning and maintenance. Right now you can start reducing your electric bill one small step at a time by purchasing a high quality GeoBulb in place of your most used light bulb.

How does the GeoBulb compare in cost to a solar or wind generating system installed?

When you figure out the full cost of planning and installing a solar or wind generating system it is expensive and it takes 30 years for the payback. The GeoBulb has a similar payback period when compared to Compact Fluorescent bulbs but does not require as much work. The best way to reduce your energy cost is not by generating it but by saving it in the first place. So even if you decide to install a solar power or wind generation system perhaps the first place you should start is changing your bulbs.

Is the color of the light different with a GeoBulb?

Depending on which of the three colors you select, the GeoBulb has a slightly different color than other light bulbs you may have seen before. Everyone is very sensitive to any color change in their lighting. I must say that getting used to a GeoBulb is easier than getting accustomed to a compact fluorescent light. A GeoBulb turns on without a delay and does not have a warm-up period. Here is a brief description of each color:

Warm White is surprisingly close to a normal incandescent bulb. It is likely that everyone who sees the bulb will assume it is an incandescent bulb. However this bulb has the lowest light output of the three colors with a nominal light output of 394 lumens. This color is excellent for creating a warm lighting atmosphere.

Soft White is a modern color similar to a halogen bulb. With a nominal light output of 460 lumens, it is suitable for a kitchen and general lighting.

Cool White is good for a working environment and it is the most efficient with a nominal light output of 520 lumens.

What is the best use for a GeoBulb?

The GeoBulb is most efficient when used in a ceiling or track lighting fixture. This is because most of the light is evenly distributed off the top half of the bulb. The GeoBulb is designed to minimize the light output toward the screw-in base of the bulb since this light is wasted for most uses. The GeoBulb is unique among LED bulbs since much of the light is distributed toward the sides too. Most other LED bulbs point all of their light towards the top of the bulb which is less expensive to manufacture.

When you compare the GeoBulb to a regular incandescent bulb then there is no question the GeoBulb saves money even at a cost of $50.00. Comparing the GeoBulb to a compact fluorescent is more difficult. Most of this price is returned to you in energy savings. If the price of electricity goes up by 20% over the next few years then the GeoBulb will become more financially viable. The long life of the GeoBulb can also mean savings in terms of maintenance cost, particularly if someone has to be paid to change burned out bulbs such as in commercial applications. Light bulbs mounted in unsafe, high places or difficult to reach bulbs are also perfect situations for the use of GeoBulbs. You will see your best return on investment if a GeoBulb replaces a bulb that is "on" most of the time.

C. Crane can now see the LED bulbs will be the light of choice in the future. We will be working to bring the price down while maintaining the same high-quality standards. In the meantime we appreciate your support.