Save Energy and Money… CFL Bulbs
What is a CFL? It stands for Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs.
I wanted to let you know that this is a great way to save money. Change out the incandescent bulbs in your house with a CFL bulb and you could save $30 to $50 over the life of the bulb in energy costs.
It’s real simple to do. I’m not quite sure why more people aren’t doing it. You simply pick out the correct wattage of bulb at any store and swap out the old bulbs in your lighting fixture. These bulbs cost a bit more but… when you change out all the ones in your house, you will notice a difference on your electric bill. Trust me.
So, to find out why more people aren’t using these little gems, I asked a few of my neighbors.
Turns out there are a LOT of myths and misconceptions about CFL bulbs. And I’m here to bust a few of them for you:
- The Light Looks Funny/Flickers/Buzzes: Not any more. There are a ton of varieties of bulbs now. They don’t flicker or buzz. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The light looks very close to incandescent bulbs and you’ll get used to whatever slight change you perceive in a few days.
- They Contain Mercury and Are Dangerous: Each CFL bulb has 1/5 less mercury than a watch battery and 1/100 of your tooth filling. If one breaks, it’s important to recycle it and treat it as hazardous waste. Go to Earth 911 to find a recycling place in your area — and the good news is that all Home Depot stores will now recycle for you.
- The Mercury Makes Worse Than Incandescent Bulbs: Mmm. No. Most of the mercury released into our atmosphere comes from power plants that burn fossil fuels. By using a product, like an incandescent bulb (which requires 75% more energy to use!) you are putting 75% more mercury into the air.
- CFLs are Made in China - The Shipping Pollutes the Earth: The majority of all light bulbs are made in China. Buying local is great, if it’s an option. But the choice between two bulbs made in China where one saves you money and saves the planet, well… the choice is easy. Besides, the CFL bulbs last much longer, so you’ll have to buy fewer of them.
Suggested Reading:
Let me know if you have any questions about CFL bulbs or if you need help with the installation.
