Compact fluorescent light bulbs were introduced to the world in the late 1980s. Since that time, they have been widely touted as the best choice for your home's lighting needs. One of the many benefits of changing your existing light bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) is that they are much more energy efficient than their traditional counterparts. They also reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases, which may make such a notable impact on the environment that the US Environmental Protection Agency is encouraging Americans to make the switch.
Saving Money
Compact fluorescent light bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent light bulbs. Since lighting comprises up to 20% of your electric bill each month, these bulbs are a good first step in lowering your electric bill. It is also interesting to note that though a CFLs cost on average is slightly higher than traditional light bulbs, they last 10 times longer, so the up-front investment is quickly recovered.
Reducing Emissions of Greenhouse Gases
Another benefit of using CFLs is that they cut down on the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that escape into the Earth's atmosphere. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that if every home in America were to switch to CFLs for one year, enough energy would be saved to light an additional 3 million homes in America and greenhouse emissions would be reduced by the same output of 800,000 cars.
Shedding Light on Bulb Changes
An interesting benefit of CFLs is that the light output they give depreciates over time, so you will always know when you will need a new bulb. Unlike incandescent light bulbs that just go out when they are fully used, a CFL light will slowly diminish. A CFL will burn for 750 to 1,000 hours. That is at least 50% or more of the lifespan of a traditional lightbulb.
Versatile Usage
You can purchase CFLs just about anywhere, including discount stores, hardware stores and grocery stores. There are many varieties to choose from with varying degrees of light output. CFLs will fit into the same sockets as traditional lightbulbs, so it is easy to replace the traditional models with CFLs. In fact, it is even possible to find 3-way CFLs on the market today. If style is your fancy, CFLs offer a wide range of styles, including spiral lamps, triple tube lamps, globe lamps, floor lamps, standard lamps that look just like incandescent light bulbs and candelabras.
CFLs do not come in a range of colors comparable to their incandescent counterparts, but you do have some choices including soft white, white, cool white and daylight.
Each color is associated with the amount of heat that the bulb generates at its maximum capacity. A soft white bulb will put out less heat than a white bulb, and so forth.
Dangers of Using CFLs
If you do switch to CFLs, be aware that you must take special care with the disposal. CFLs contain mercury, which is a poisonous chemical that attacks the nervous system, causing vision problems, nervousness and even dementia. Though they don’t contain a high amount of mercury, it is enough to cause harmful side effects, especially to exposed children. When handling your lightbulb, do so carefully. Do not force the bulb into a socket, as this could cause the bulb to break. If you do break a bulb, you should vent the room for 15 minutes and then clean up the glass fragments and mercury quickly. Place all broken glass into a plastic bag, tie it up, and dispose of it outside in an airtight container. Wash your hands when you are finished. Check with your local state government about disposal requirements in your area.
Because of the mercury content, it is vital that you keep CFLs away from children. Store CLFs in high, out-of-reach places.
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