Did you know that the average American household has 45 light bulbs? If each of these were replaced by CFL Energy Star bulbs each household would save $180 a year!
Did you know if every home in America replaced one light bulb with a an Energy Star bulb, we would save enough energy to light 3 million homes for a year, save about $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent 9 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year, equivalent to those from about 800,000 cars?
Energy Star is a label that he US Environmental Protection Agency awards products that meet their strict energy efficient guidelines. Each bulb saves approximately $6 a year and $40 over its lifetime in electricity costs. This is done by using 75% less energy and by lasting 6 times longer than an old fashion incandescent light bulb. They also produce 75% less heat which can help cut down on your home cooling bill. Incandescent bulbs contain mercury which make them too toxic to throw in the trash, CFL Energy Star bulbs are required to be toxin free. So why wait, replace some today! Take your house holds five most frequently used light fixtures and replace them or the bulbs and you can save more than $65 each year! You can use your old bulbs in places that aren’t used a lot like a closet (CLF bulbs will provide you with the most savings I places where the lights are on at least two hours a day). If you aren’t ready to make the switch try changing your bulbs to a lower wattage, you wont reap the financial benefits but you will save energy.
When you decide to make the switch, check out Energystar.com to find stores that carry energy efficient light bulbs. If you are planning on getting rid of your old light bulbs visit EARTH911.org and type in “CFL” to find a local recycling center that will take your bulbs or head over to your local Ikea, the retailer will take your old bulbs (you can also find 3 packs of energy efficient bulbs for just $3.99). Replacing your light bulbs is a great start in making your household green. It helps the planet and will help save you money!!
-Amanda
-Amanda
Personally I don't like CFL lights. The mercury in them is a big problem. Although pricier in comparison, I think LED lights are much better. They last longer, are more easily dimmable, and don't have a delay when turning them on.
ReplyDeleteI totally understand. I am not a fan of the mercury either. In comparison to the older model light bulbs which contained on average 500 milligrams of mercury, the 4 milligrams that CFL's have is a major improvement and they don’t emit the mercury as long as they are kept intact.
ReplyDeleteI have heard a lot of people say that they prefer the LED's because they aren’t as obnoxiously bright and can be used in dimmers, and like you said they dot hesitate when they turn on (this is a pain in the butt when you need light right away). I have heard that they now have a CFL that can be used in a dimmer, I haven’t tried it yet but it is good to know. I think what is good is that they are making improvements in lighting that will be better for the environment. Hopefully in the next ten years we will see bulbs that are even quicker and less toxic!