Energy efficient compact flourescent light bulbs (CFLs) use about one-third the electricity of conventional incandescent bulbs to produce the same amount of light, and they last many times longer. CFLs cost more than incandescent bulbs, but they last ten times longer, so the increased cost is offset by the savings in replacement bulbs as well as the energy savings.
What You Should Know
- Replacing a 100 watt incandescent light bulb with a 25 watt compact fluorescent bulb will save 135 kWh of electricity annually, and can reduce associated carbon dioxide emission by 89.4 pounds (based on 5 hours per day use and 0.653 lbs CO2/kWh. for California.)
- Most people use 60-watt incandescent bulbs or reflectorized floodlights on their porches or in their backyards, which are the least efficient ways to light. Replacing both types with CFLs that do the same job but use 1/4 of the energy.
- Dimmable, 3-Way, and Torpedo/Candle bulbs (for chandeliers), and bulbs in a variety of warm colors are increasingly available around the nation. Check local hardware stores, or the EnergyStar website.
- Replace at least three high-use incandescent light bulbs in your home with compact flourescent lightbulbs (CFLs).
- Buy CFLs with an ENERGY STAR label: your assurance that the product is among the most energy efficient in its class.
- Put outdoor lights on a compatible timer or photocell control so they'll operate only when needed.
- About the mercury used in CFLs: A CFL contains less than 4 mg of mercury, a neurotoxin. But power plants typically emit about 10 mg of mercury into the atmosphere in order to generate the electricity needed for an incandescent bulb, so there is a clear environmental benefit to using CFLs, especially if they're recycled properly.
- RECYCLE: Worn out CFLs should be taken to your local recycling location, don't throw them in the trash!
- BROKEN CFLs: General guidelines for cleaning up a broken bulb includes: open a window and ventilate the room for 15 minutes, wear rubber globes to collect the glass, damp-mop or use sticky-tape instead of sweeping or vacuuming to avoid stirring up dust, keep children and pregnant women away, double-bag and seal all glass remnants and powder debris and take them to a recycling center for proper disposal.
Sources: 51 Easy Ways You Can Prevent Global Warming and Save Money, by Jeffrey Langholz, PhD, and Kelly Turner, and 30 Simple Energy Things You Can Do To Save the Earth, by PG&E, Energy Federation, EnergyStar.gov