Save energy, save money

Compact fluorescent lighting (CFL) technology has advanced tremendously in the last several years. We can all save energy, money and pollution by changing our household lighting to CFLs.

People used to complain about CFL's light quality, the spiral-shaped bulbs and non-standard fixture fittings. No more.

Higher quality CFLs, like those made by Panasonic, are far superior in light quality and longevity to the cheaper spiral-type bulbs you see in the grocery store. These lights are instant-on with no flicker or hesitation and do not interfere with cordless devices.

I have bought a variety of lightbulb styles and colour temperatures. There is always a fixture needing a different wattage bulb.

The only one that has "blown" on me was one of the cheap ones. The higher quality ones last a very, very long time.

Be aware that the ballast in some of these bulbs contains trace amounts of mercury. When (if?) they do expire, they should be disposed of through your local (regional district) hazardous waste service or returned to the shop where you bought them.

I found this summary online:

Efficient: CFL's are four times more efficient and last up to 10 times longer than incandescents. A 22 watt CFL has about the same light output as a 100 watt incandescent. CFL's use 50 - 80% less energy than incandescents.

Less Expensive: Although initially more expensive, you save money in the long run because CFL's use 1/3 the electricity and last up to 10 times as long as incandescents. A single 18 watt CFL used in place of a 75 watt incandescent will save about 570 kWh over its lifetime. At 8 cents per kWh, that equates to a $45 savings.

Reduces Air and Water Pollution: 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. If everyone in the U.S. used energy-efficient lighting, we could retire 90 average size power plants. Saving electricity reduces CO2 emissions, sulfur oxide and high-level nuclear waste.

High-Quality Light: Newer CFL's give a warm, inviting light instead of the "cool white" light of older fluorescents. They use rare earth phosphors for excellent color and warmth. New electronically ballasted CFL's don't flicker or hum.

Versatile: CFL's come in several sizes and configurations, and can be applied nearly anywhere that incandescent lights are used. Energy-efficient CFL's can be used in recessed fixtures, table lamps, ceiling fixtures and porchlights.

Makes you wonder why everyone wouldn't make this change!