Change Your Lightbulbs
FACTS
- 75% less energy is used with an ENERGY STAR—labeled compact fluorescent lightbulb (CFL) compared to a standard incandescent bulb (regular lightbulb).
- ENERGY STAR was introduced by the EPA as a voluntary labeling program designed to help businesses and individuals choose energy-efficient products wisely and better protect the environment.
- CFLs last up to 10 times longer and save $30 over the life of the bulb.
- CFLs are safer because they produce less than 100°F of heat compared to halogen bulbs at 1000°F.
- Replacing 1 bulb prevents the release of 450 pounds of carbon dioxide in just 1 year.
- If each home replaced 5 frequently used lightbulbs, close to $3 billion a year in energy costs could be saved.
TAKE ACTION TODAY
- Buy a package of CFL bulbs today.
- Refer to the lumen or light output on the product packaging as your guide to determine correct wattage.
- Replace at least 1 regular light bulb with a CFL bulb. The more bulbs you change, the better it is for the environment and your wallet.
- Place qualified CFLs in the fixtures you use most frequently.
- Use qualified CFLs in the fixtures that are hard to reach such as ceiling fans, other ceiling fixtures, and enclosed outdoor fixtures.
- Find a bulb recycling location for proper disposal methods. CFL bulbs should not be thrown away in your home or office garbage cans. Many major retailers offer take-back programs.
YOU MATTER
The amount of pollution equivalent to the emissions of two million cars can be removed from the atmosphere if every household replaces one lightbulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified CFL bulb. One bulb. Will you do it? How about five?
Comments
3 Responses to “Change Your Lightbulbs”Speak Your Mind
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It’s true that the CFL bulbs are more expensive, which is the #1 complaint for most people. However, I have had the same CFLs for a little more than two years. Even though you are paying more, it is still cheaper than purchasing regular bulbs that will burn out in a few months (at most). CFLs are worth the investment because they use less energy, which saves on your electric bill and helps the environment, and they last. You really do get your money’s worth.
I like the advice of replacing a little at a time. This will cut back on the amount you have to spend and I guarantee that by the time you can afford to replace the last bulb in your house, most (if not all) of the others will still be burning.
When we moved into our house about 5 years ago, we utilized rebates to help with the cost of the bulbs, making the cost difference only about $1/bulb which definitely helps. Some of the bulbs that are most often used are finally giving out now. We replaced 4800 watts of regular bulbs with 370 wats of CFL bulbs…it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that we have been saving a lot of money over these 5 years! I saved all of my incandescent for use in my garage where the temp is colder and the CFLs don’t always start up right away.
I like the fact that CFL’s save energy and last longer than incandescent lamps however, I’m concerned with the containment of hazardous waste (mercury) if the lamp breaks and disposal of CFL’s. What will be the long term effects to the environment? Most consumers will not read or follow the warnings and instructions on the packaging and simply dispose of broken or burned out lamps in their garbage. I
I prefer the color of an incandescent lamp over that of a CFL and find the that using incandescent lamps in conjunction with a dimmer can provide the same energy savings as a CFL with better color and less hazard to people or the environment.