If you've bought light bulbs lately you've probably noticed plain old incandescent bulbs now are a minority. Today, compact fluorescence and halogen bulbs are popular alternatives because they last longer and produce more light -- much more then their incandescent counterparts. Consumers are used to buying a particular wattage bulb -- say 60-,75- or 100 watts. That measure doesn't apply for the newer super-efficient bulbs. Instead, start looking at the number of lumens a bulb provides. Lumens are a measure of light. Watts measure the electricity used. The more lumens you get, while using fewer watts, is a clear winner -- every time. Energy-efficiency reduces electric bills and the whiter/brighter light of compact fluorescence and halogen bulbs is better for kitchens and bathrooms. It brightens home offices, too. Shop lumens -- you'll see the light! And that's the On The House tip for today.