Advantages Save money by using about 75 percent less energy and lasting 7 to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Typically it takes less than a year to recoup the cost of most CFLs.
Disadvantages Need time to fully brighten and frequently turning them on and off affects performance. Most aren’t dimmable and CFLs should be recycled since they contain mercury.
Advantages A type of incandescent, halogens instantly produce light, accurately reveal colors of furnishings, are fully dimmable, and use about 25 to 30 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs.
Disadvantages Some do not last much longer than regular incandescent bulbs yet cost more.
Advantages Use slightly less energy than CFLs and manufacturers claim LEDs last about 20,000 to 50,000 hours. Instantly brighten and some dim as low as incandescent bulbs.
Disadvantages Expensive so payback period is longer than other bulbs but after that you save money by using less energy. Some LEDs, the A-type used for lamps, aren’t good at casting light in all directions.
How they work: These traditional machines fill their tubs with water, and an agitator swirls the laundry.
Advantages: The least expensive overall, regular top-loaders are easier to load. Adding items in mid-cycle is also easier because the lids typically don't lock.
Disadvantages: As a group, these have the least impressive performance and use the most energy overall. They hold only about 12 to 16 pounds of laundry and use the most water. Top loaders are relatively noisy, and the loads can become unbalanced.
High-efficiency top-loading washers
How they work: High-efficiency or HE top-loaders use a variety of methods to lift and tumble the laundry. Because they fill only partially with water, they use less water, and spin at higher speeds. They work best with low-foaming, high-efficiency detergent.
Advantages: High-efficiency top-loaders often hold more laundry than regular top-loaders (up to 20 pounds or more) and typically wash better. The higher spin speed extracts more water, reducing drying time and saving energy.
Disadvantages: Clothing can become tangled and wrinkled at the high-speeds. Prices have dropped but these typically cost more than regular top-loaders and can cost as much as front-loading machines.
Front-loading washing machines
How they work: Front loaders clean clothes by lifting them to the top of the tub and dropping them back into the water. They fill only partly with water and work best with low-foaming, high-efficiency detergent.
Advantages: The best front-loaders clean better and more efficiently than the best high-efficiency top-loaders, and don't have to cost more. Most can handle 12- to 20-pound loads. Faster spin speeds than high-efficiency top-loaders result in better moisture extraction, saving drying time and energy. Front-loaders tend to be quiet (as are some top-loaders). And some can be stacked with a dryer to save floor space.
Disadvantages: A front-loader's high spin speeds can cause too much vibration for the machine to be placed near living areas.
Space-saving washing machines
How they work: Available as top- or front loaders, these compact models are typically 24 inches wide or less, compared with 27 inches for full-sized models.
Advantages: You can store some compacts in a closet and you can stack space-saving front-loaders and dryers.
Disadvantages: Space-savers typically handle only an 8- to-12-pound load.
Description:Typically 14 to 17 inches fitting small cars to light-duty SUVs and pickups.
Advantages: Popular choice for older vehicles and drivers who want long-lasting tires that provide a comfortable ride and year-round traction.
Disadvantages: Lack grip and precise handling of performance tires.
Performance all-season tires
Description: Usually 15 to 17 inches with shorter sidewall height and wider footprint. They're a popular choice for newer cars.
Advantages: Generally offer better handling and braking and have a higher speed rating than standard all-season tires.
Disadvantages: None identified.
Ultra-performance tires
Description: Typically 17 to 22 inches, fitting upscale sedans or sport vehicles.
Advantages: Good handling and responsive steering.
Disadvantages: Tread wear and ride comfort are commonly comprised. Summer versions aren't meant for cold weather and won't grip in icy or snowy conditions. All-season versions usually offer a compromise of dry and wet grip compared to all-weather summer tires.
