photo by Paul Keller
So you’ve heard all the hype about Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFLs), but why are they so great and how can they save you money?
Old Lightbulbs are Out
First let’s talk about why your old lightbulbs are out of style. According to Environmental Defense “traditional incandescent bulbs are actually small heaters that give off a little bit of light”. You know this if you ever touched a lightbulb and been burnt. Although these bulbs were great at one time, now they just suck up your electric and cost you money, not to mention “they are responsible for millions of tons of global warming pollution.”
However, don’t think that “these small heaters” will bring down your heating costs in the winter. Light bulbs are the most inefficient way to add heat to your home when you need to.
CFL Bulbs are In
CFL bulbs, on the other hand, give off only a little heat and give you more light. You’re paying the money, why not get the light because the heat isn’t really the point.
CFL bulbs not only save you more money, they use 75% less energy, last 10 times longer, and don’t generate heat.
Newer CFL bulbs will work with your dimmer switch
Make sure if you have a dimmer switch that you check the packaging on any CFL bulb you’re thinking of purchasing. In the past many people decided against CFL bulbs because they wouldn’t work with their dimmer switches. This is still true in some cases, but there are CFL bulbs that will fit your needs.
Getting the Best Light for Your Money
To get a CFL bulb that puts out light similar to the light you’re used to, buy one with a color temperature of less than 3500k. If you go more than 3500k it will look blue. Try to find the lowest color temperature possible.
Sometimes CFL bulbs take a couple minutes to reach their full brightness. Don’t worry if they seem dim at first.
CFL bulbs are Great… If You Get the Great Ones
Buy CFL bulbs with warranties or brands you’ve heard of. Make sure you get an actual warranty, the package saying it lasts X number of years is not the same. Knock-offs burn out quickly and waste your money.
Get our Energy Analysis to find out which brands are best, which manufacturers to avoid and how to get the most bang for your buck.
How much mercury do CFL bulbs really contain?
CFL bulbs do contain some mercury inside their glass tubing, but it’s really not enough to hurt you. CFL bulbs only have about 4 milligrams and some CFL bulbs contain as little as 1.4 milligrams of mercury. However, the mercury inside the bulbs is dangerous if the bulb is broken and it should be cleaned up completely.
For more information on cleaning up CFL bulbs click here.
How much can you save with CFL Bulbs?
An average home spends $2,000 per year on electric. On average 12% (or $240) of that is spent on lighting.
By replacing your existing bulbs with CFLs you can save $180 per year.
Here’s a tip to to keep your initial cost down and still save money:
Start by replacing the bulbs that you use most of the time. For example, follow the 80/20 rule, and replace 20% of the bulbs that use 80% of your energy. This will save you the most amount of money with the smallest amount of initial cost.
If you have a question about CFL bulbs please leave a comment or call us toll-free at 866-284-8604
