It is estimated that changing a single incandescent light bulb to a compact fluorescent can save at least $20 a year. Other factors that are not mentioned are the energy savings, that in Alabama means less coal burned; heat difference between incandescent and fluorescent; and brighter light possible with CFL's, requiring fewer lights. And when they stop working, dispose of them properly.
The facts about Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
- Compact Fluorescent cost slightly more up front
- They help to save energy per wattage
- They have far less heat then traditional light bulbs. Less heat less chance of a fire!
- Although a single CFL costs more initially, over the life of the bulb you actually save money. See the chart below for a comparison.
- (6) 13 watt 5000 CT Compact Fluorescent bulbs are not only brighter then (1) 100 watt incandescent bulb, but the (6) bulbs still use less electric then the (1) 100 watt bulb!
- You should recycle these bulbs after their 10,000 hours of use. Some of these bulbs contain mercury which should be recycled. The bulbs that use mercury usually have a color temp (CT) of 4000 - 6000 which is present in most of these fluorescent's. The amount of mercury sealed in each CFL is less than 1/100 that in a mercury thermometer. It is also less than the amount of mercury the CFL spares the environment because of coal not burned in a coal burning power plant. Theoretically we should be disposing of all our used mercury-containing products by appropriate hazardous waste methods. So after the long, useful life span of a CFL is over, we recommend disposal through hazardous waste handling systems, but it is not obligatory to do so. A few progressive recycle facilities have found reclamation markets for fluorescent lights.
- These come in every shape and design as a standard bulb. CF's come in dimmable bulbs also.
- CF's come in 3 stage bulbs (40, 60, 80) and there is others
- Each 13-watt CFL, over the expected 10,000 hour life of the bulbs, will save 470 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity as compared to 60-watt bulbs. This translates to a global warming-fighting reduction of over 730 pounds of carbon dioxide. It also means a reduction of 1.6 pounds of nitrogen oxides (which contribute to ozone and acid rain) and 4.3 pounds of sulfur dioxide (which contributes to haze and acid rain), and makes significant reductions in other impacts of coal-produced power such as mercury pollution and destruction of forest and stream habitats in mining areas.
Facts about Incandescent Bulbs
- 80% hotter bulb, more chance of a fire
- They last only 1000- 2000 hours
- Not nearly as efficient as CF's
- Lumen to Lumen comparison 87% less
Other ways you can save!
- When buying bulbs, look for the highest lumens-per-watt ratio. Lumens measure the amount of light a bulb gives off, while watts measure how much energy a bulb uses. A typical lumens-per-watt ratio for an incandescent bulb is 15:1. This compares to 60:1 for a fluorescent bulb.
- Use brighter bulbs in areas where you do close-up work such as reading, cooking and home projects. Use dimmer light in other areas.
- Keep light bulbs and fixtures clear of dust and other particles. Clean bulbs give off more light than dirty ones.
- Use natural light whenever you can. Make the most of natural light by moving desks, reading chairs and workbenches closer to windows. Keep in mind that lighter colors for walls, ceilings and floors reflect more light. Replace outdoor floodlights with halogen lamps, or use motion detectors. A 50- or 90-watt halogen lamp can replace a standard reflector bulb that has twice the wattage. Motion detectors save energy and money by turning on lights only when needed, (but remember not too many as they are phantom loads).
Holiday Lighting Tip: GO LED Lighting!!!
Here is a helpful tip on Christmas Lights and how you can save $$$.
Each string of Incandescent Christmas Tree lights can use as much as 20-60 watts per string. Now multiple that time the number of strings you have that are lighting up you Holiday season. Even though these look great they use 5-10 times more electric then LED Christmas tree bulbs.
In comparison you can use 4-6 strings of LED lights for every 1 string of regular Incandescent string!
LED christmas tree bulbs now come in a wide variety of styles, colors, shapes and sizes. Most local Walmarts, Lowes, Home Depots carry these LED lights and they really are not that much more then Incandescent bulbs.
Now talk about saving on your electric bill during the Holiday Season!