Lighting Trends

In last Thursday's post about LED Light Bulbs I briefly touched on Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) - bringing to your attention some of the cons associated with the popular bulbs. This wasn't completely fair, since LED bulbs aren't even on the market yet! I thought it was only right that I gave CFLs their proper due, because let's be honest - they are way better than your average incandescent light bulb!



Just by changing the light bulbs in our home from incandescent bulbs to CFLs we can make a huge difference - not only on the cost of lighting our homes but also for the environment! Energy Star is one such program making easier for citizens to make a difference. A joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Star helps citizens save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. According to the Energy Star website:

"If every American home replaced just one light bulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified bulb, we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a year, more than $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars."

Those numbers are staggering! Who knew that just by changing one light bulb, it's possible to make a world of difference? Granted, getting EVERYONE in the U.S. to do this is unlikely, but every little bit helps, right? Let's cover some of the specific pros and cons associated with using CFL bulbs:

CFL Benefits:

• Although initially more expensive, you save money in the long run because CFLs use 1/3 the electricity and CFLs last 10 times as long
  
• CFLs produce about 75 percent less heat, so they're safer to operate and can cut energy costs associated with home cooling
  
• Replacing a single incandescent bulb with a CFL will keep a half-ton of CO2 out of the atmosphere over the life of the bulb
  
• Newer CFLs give a warm, inviting light instead of the "cool white" light of older fluorescents.
  
• CFLs can basically be used anywhere that incandescent lights are used

CFL Limitations:

• CFLs are sensitive to being switched on & off too frequently, therefore it's best not to use CFLs in closets, pantries or other such


• Not all CFLs are 'dimmable' and using a regular CFL on a fixture with a dimmer switch, greatly diminishes the bulb's life


• CFLs can be used outdoors but should be sheltered from the elements. Check the package first before placing outdoors


• CFLs contain small amounts of mercury which is a toxic metal that may be released if the bulb is broken, or during disposal (Philips does make a special CFL light bulb with a lower Mercury content)

All in all, Compact Fluorescent Bulbs are worth a look. While there are certainly limitations, it appears to me that the pros certainly outweigh the cons. Why shouldn't we do everything and anything we can to keep costs down and helping the environment is an added benefit.

Lights out until next time!

RESOURCES:

• For tips on how to choose the right CFL for you, check out Energy Star's Choose A Light Guide
  
• For tips on how to dispose of your CFLs, check out Energy Star's nifty FACT SHEET (PDF Format)