The current trend of global warming is mostly attributed to emissions of carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels such as coal. To generate one Kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy, approximately 2.5 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) are emitted. One kWh is enough energy to run one 100 watt bulb for 10 hours. Consider that the average home has approximately 34 sockets. If each socket is filled with a 100 watt bulb and is powered for 5 hours each day, 294 pounds of CO 2 are emitted into the atmosphere in one week!
- The EPA estimates that nearly 25 percent of the energy needs in the United States are dedicated to lighting. Compact fluorescent bulbs are about 3 to 4 times
more efficient than incandescent bulbs. Therefore if all 34 bulbs in our example were replaced with 30 watt compact fluorescent bulbs, only 95 pounds of CO 2 would be emitted into the atmosphere.
- By switching from incandescent lighting to compact fluorescent lighting the average consumer can save 50 to 80 in energy costs without any loss in lighting quality. The average compact fluorescent bulb lasts 8 to 10 times longer than any incandescent bulb. Depending on the initial cost of the bulb, the Federal Trade Commission estimates that it costs $2.60 less per year to power a compact fluorescent bulb than an incandescent bulb.
- The full purchase price of the bulb will be paid back well within the 10-year life expectancy.
CFLs of years past earned a bad name with inadequate technology. For this reason many people think of unnaturally bright lights and loud humming noises
when they think of CFL lamps. Fortunately, CFL technology has greatly improved since those days.
To read Green Sealís environmental rating of 32 recommended compact fluorescent lighting products, download their Choose Green Report!
Adapted from a Green Seal Choose Green Report, by Green Seal. Copyright (c) by Green Seal. Reprinted by permission of Green Seal.
A Green Seal Choose Green Report, by Green Seal