Despite a collective resentment against compact fluorescents' locker room charm, those who "light-up" might have to bite the bullet in a few years unless something warmer-toned becomes available.

After more than eight months of intense deliberations between Congress and bulb manufacturers, environmental groups and other parties, a law that requires light bulbs to become more energy efficient became part of the energy bill that President Bush signed into law on Dec. 19.

Over a three-year period beginning in 2012, all new bulbs will have to use 25 percent to 30 percent less energy for the same light output as today's typical incandescent bulbs. Given that the vast majority of bulbs now on the market that meet those standards are compact fluorescents, which use 70 percent less energy and last 6 to 10 times longer than incandescents, Americans may have little choice but to accept them as part of the future.

In addition to this report, the NYT asked the people why they did or didn't make the switch.

image : Tony Cenicola for The New York Times