Replace Those Old Bulbs With
Compact Fluorescent-Light-Bulbs
Switch your current bulbs for compact fluorescent-light-bulbs or recessed-lighting and start saving the environment and money.
The use of this type of lighting will green up your
current home lighting system, and is the best way to start
reducing your energy budget. Taking advantage of the advanced
technology can reduce your household costs by fifty percent or
more and provide up to 4 times more energy efficiency.
Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
The spiral shaped bulbs you see are the new form of lighting. They use 75% less energy than the regular or incandescent bulbs (as we know them) and last years longer. The spiral is actually just one form, as they come in different forms, such as globe shaped, dome-covered, candelabra, and so on.
They provide the same levels of lighting we are used to. In
fact, the light has a little warmer glow. They can be dimmed
like regular bulbs. They come in different colors too.
These bulbs cost a bit more, but so they should, because they
last so much longer, are worth it, and will pay for themselves
quickly.
Shopping Tips To Consider
Make sure the bulbs will fit. There are still some home
fixtures that can't use the larger fluorescent-light-bulbs.
Choose the Energy Star Label for maximum energy efficiency.
Purchase 3-way lamps. This allows you to dim and only use
energy that is needed. This is better than lighting up an
entire room.
Start thinking in terms of pointing light where you need it most.
Change to lights focused directly onto your kitchen counter
work area or kitchen sink.
In bigger work areas, large fluorescent bulbs work well in
laundry rooms, and over garage work benches.
Minifluorescent-bulbs work well as night lights.
Recessed-lighting is available as well.
Compact fluorescent lights should be used instead of halogen
lamps. Halogen-lamps are so hot, they really are fire
hazzards. I've had a few over the years and gotten rid of them. The CFL will use up 80% less energy, and certainly
don't generate the heat of the halogen bulb torchieres do.
FACT - If you replace 4 standard lightbulbs with the CFL
ones, you will actually save as much as 5000 pounds of carbon
dioxide from being emitted over the life of the bulbs.
These lights are not without their faults. They are not meant
to provide bright direct lighting, as on a store display.
They can be used outside, but should be protected against the
elements.
They are a bit sensitive to being continuously turned off
and on frequently throughout the day. The lifetime hours
become somewhat decreased.
There is a way to dispose of fluorescent light bulbs because
of the mercury content that should be considered.
If you should drop one, there are some steps to follow for
handling a broken cfl bulb
properly to pick it up and dispose of it.
The switch from the common lightbulb as we know it is inevitable and happening in stages everywhere. The
provincial bulb ban
in British Columbia Canada has some consumers rather upset.
Keep your fluorescent-light-bulbs clean. 50% of light is
blocked by dust and dirt.
Just as you would any lights, no matter what type they are,
turn them off when they aren't needed.
Environmentally
Friendly Green Building Materials
Green Living Design, Building Materials and a Directory of Green Resources
for the home. Learn about Eco-Friendly
Flooring, Countertops, Energy Efficient Appliances, Solar Energy, Recycled
Sinks, Energy Efficient
Lighting and Renewable Energy Resources
Read up on T-8 Florescent Tube Lights and more information on
Energy Saving Lights
at The Green Homes Consultant.
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