Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb Review
Longer lasting
A 13 watt (equivalent of 60 watt incandescent) compact fluorescent light bulb has an average life of 10,000 hours! A typical incandescent light bulb has a life of about 1,000 hours. If you keep your lights on about 3 hours a day, the compact fluorescent is going to last about eight years longer than an incandescent bulb! The lack of maintenance alone makes it worth making the switch.
Energy savings
Many people don't buy compact fluorescents because they cost more initially. You have to look at the big picture. Because a compact fluorescent only uses 13 watts to produce the same amount of light that a 60 watt incandescent does, the energy savings really add up.
In their 10,000 hour life span compact fluorescents will save 470 kilowatt-hours of electricity. On my most recent electric bill a kilowatt-hour was 11 cents. Do the math and the savings come out to $51.70! That's just for one light bulb. Think about how many light bulbs you have in your house. You can buy a pack of four compact fluorescents from Walmart for less than eight dollars. It is definitely worth the slightly higher upfront cost when you save over $50 in the long run.
The environment
Less energy used, means less pollution created. If everyone makes the switch to compact fluorescents it will make a big difference in pollution levels. You also will have to buy fewer light bulbs, which means there will be less light bulbs filling up landfills.
Are compact fluorescents always the answer?
There may be times that you will want to use incandescent light bulbs instead of compact fluorescents. Incandescent light bulbs produce a sharper light that may provide better light for desk lamps, and reading lamps. Compact fluorescents also don't work with dimmer switches, so if you want to dim you should look for an incandescent bulb. You may also have to buy a more expensive compact fluorescent bulb for recessed lighting.
I use compact fluorescent light bulbs for almost every light in my house. It saves me money, maintenance, and I do my part for the environment. Pick up a pack today and start on the road to saving big money on your electric bill.
Published by Chris Gafner
I am a fitness professional that focuses on helping people over the age of 30 get in the best shape of their lives. For more information visit my website http://www.after-30-fitness.com View profile
- How to Save Money on Light BulbsA simple guide to light bulbs: How they work and how to choose the right type for you.
- Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs, Not My SolutionThe big push for CFLs is not about saving money or saving the planet but about the people they are most likely to benefit. I believe developing renewable energy is a more prudent way to invest our conservation and cl...
Safety Tips for Energy Efficient Fluorescent Light BulbsFluorescent lighting saves energy and money. Because of their composition, certain safety precautions must be taken when using them. This article will tell you how to use them s...
Energy Efficient Fluorescent Light Bulbs Gain PopularityThe incandescent bulb has been lighting our homes and business for nearly 125 years, but some people are ready for a change. Energy efficient light bulbs are growing in populari...- Compact Fluorescent Lights CFLs Save EnergyThis articles describes the benefits of using compact fluorescent lights in your household.
- Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs Save Energy and Money
- Sylvania Soft White Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs Review
- GE Compact Fluorescent Screw in Replacement Light Bulbs Are Great Money Savers
- Energy Saving Tips: Save Money by Using Fluorescent Light Bulbs
- How to Choose a Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb (CFL) for Your Home
- Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
- Energy Star's Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
4 Comments
Post a Commentarticle was not very useful. however, for anyone reading, all CF's are not the same. I have some that take 5 minutes to get "warmed up" to produce enough light to be useful, others that come on right away. but do be cautious of the mercury - next thing you know, trash haulers will be refusing to take them....
Excellent value for money. The newer bulbs give more light, and you have a choice of cool or warm light. As for disposal, they can go to the same place as an environmentally responsible person would take their used batteries and old mercury filled thermometers: the local hazardous waste dump. Save 'em up to save the cost of disposal, but if you're careful not to break them, the bulbs will last over a decade. The one in my kitchen has been going on 15 years now!
You might want to check out http://johnrlott.tripod.com/2007/05/dangers-of-compact-fluorescent-light.html. It seems these highly-touted bulbs have mercury in them, and if you accidentally drop & break one...well so much for any savings or attempts to be environmentally sensitive. Just FYI. Personally, I think they need to come up with a better idea. I doubt most people go to the proper measures to dispose of them. We really don't need more mercury-filled dumpsites leaking into the ground water.
Ive had one of these for over 6 yrs in my washroom and its still going strong. They last forever it seems