The benefits of compact fluorescent lighting

**QuilterMom** · 02-27-2006, 01:05 PM

http://www.greenfeet.net/newsletter/...orescent.shtml

The Benefits of Compact Fluorescent Lighting
CFLs have several advantages over incandescent light bulbs: they last from 8-10 times longer, use about 75% less energy, and produce 90% less heat while delivering more light per Watt. For example, a 25 Watt CFL provides about 1800 lumens, compared to 1750 lumens from a 100 Watt incandescent lamp.

CFLs have come a long way since their introduction. They provide a flicker-free, soft-white light and come in a variety of styles. The traditional "twist" bulb is the most popular, but if you need a more stylish version, consider the household style. This bulb is similar in design to a standard incandescent bulb but uses significantly less energy. The 3-way CFL is perfect for reading lamps or conversation areas where ambience is a factor. The globe style is designed for bathroom fixtures.

Here's a groovy advantage - CFLs save you money! One 20 Watt CFL (replaces a 75 Watt incandescent bulb) will save you $66 dollars over the life of the bulb (based on $.12 KWH). Replace one 100 Watt incandescent bulb with a 25 Watt CFL and save a whopping $74 dollars over the life of the bulb (hey - that's 21 extra Mocha Latte's).

Not only are CFLs the smart choice - they're hip too. The EPA reports that CFLs are the environmentally responsible choice. Replacing one incandescent light bulb with an energy saving CFL bulb reduced carbon monoxide emission to the atmosphere by 1,000 pounds.

According to the Department of Energy, as a nation we spend about one-quarter of our electricity budget on lighting, or more than $37 billion annually. And while traditional incandescent light bulbs are less expensive to purchase, they are much more expensive to operate. Incandescents aren't such a bright idea after all (sorry - couldn't resist).

**canadian gardener** · 02-27-2006, 05:20 PM

I love mine. I put them in all our lights, ceiling as well as lamp fixtures except for the dining room which still has an incandescent bulb as it's on a dimmer switch.

It made a big difference in the electric bill.

**homesteadmamma** · 02-27-2006, 05:33 PM

We really like ours too. It took a bit of getting use to because they aren't quite as bright, however it didn't take long.

We also don't have any globes around them. We were told when we bought them not to put globes over them because they don't last near as long.

**banana** · 02-28-2006, 09:20 AM

I used to use them and found the light not bright enough. I did notice a big decrease in my electrical usage though. Maybe I will try it again in the spring!

**QuilterMom** · 02-28-2006, 09:27 AM

Originally posted by homesteadmamma
We really like ours too. It took a bit of getting use to because they aren't quite as bright, however it didn't take long.

Same here.

**FrugalMomof3** · 02-28-2006, 09:31 AM

We use these bulbs all around the house (except for our night stand lamps, the bulbs fit but the shade wont fit on them).

I haven't really noticed a difference in our electric bill lately but I did in the beginning, our bills went down atleast $10 since putting those bulbs in.