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Switch to Energy efficient Light Bulbs
In our world, energy is the largest commodity that is getting scarce due to its excessive usage. Scientists are working constantly to find newer ways to save energy yet making life easier to live on this planet. Energy efficient light bulbs are known among such great products which are making it easier to save energy as well as money and providing great experience. These energy saving bulbs are great for home lighting.
What are energy efficient bulbs?
Energy efficient light bulbs are those bulbs that consume very less energy than the traditional incandescent bulbs do. The most popular energy saving bulbs available in the market is called Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs.
Difference between traditional bulb and the CFL!
The incandescent bulb emits light only when the filament present in the bulbs gets heat up. When an electric current is passed in it, it heats up. On the other hand, a CFL is filled with phosphor coated tube that is filled with gas. When electric current passes through gas in the tube, it produces UV rays which in turn excite phosphor coating and emits light.
Energy Consumption by the CFLs
CFL are large energy saving bulbs as they save energy in two ways; one they consume less energy to charge up the gas particles and two they convert larger amount of electricity to light. In addition, they convert more light per watt (lumens) than incandescent bulbs. It is calculated that CFLs reduce overall energy use by around 60%-70%.
Lifespan
Apart from energy efficiently, these bulbs are more durable than the old bulbs. These bulbs can last around 6000 to 15000 operating hours while traditional bulbs may last for 750 to 1,000 hours. It is observed and said that an energy efficient bulb pay for its cost in its lifetime only.
Cost of the CFL
Though CFLs are about 3 to 10 times costlier than the traditional bulbs, their lifespan is longer and they consume lesser energy. If you replace your incandescent bulbs with energy saving bulbs for home lighting, you may save up to 12% of your utility bills.
Using energy saving bulbs is the easiest way to save energy. They save energy and money but producing same amount of light as the traditional bulbs do. Using energy efficient bulbs, you are fighting climate change too.
Traditional bulbs waste large amount of energy by producing heat instead of light. Since CFL emit light when the gas filled in the bulbs get charged and are cool to touch also. There is large variety of bulbs available in the market; halogen, soft tone and the dimmable bulbs. Initially, these bulbs are manufactured in large sizes and old shapes which were not meant of home lighting.
Though some people are concerned about the mercury contained in these bulbs, the fact is, the mercury is present in very small amount. In addition, it doesn't cause any harm unless the bulb is broken. After they get inactive, these bulbs should be disposed off with care as recommended on their label.
About the Author
Orient Fans is one of India's leading brands in fans and lighting solutions. It offers high quality energy efficient lights bulbs & energy saving bulbs such as CFL, fluorescent light bulbs for home lighting.
Why does a compact fluorescent light bulb not work with a ceiling fan?
I have a ceiling fan with a light underneath it that takes a regular light bulb. But when I try to use a compact fluorescent bulb, it flickers. Can someone tell my why?
Yes, the fan is wobbly. Would that tend to interfere with the electrical contacts or wiring? How would I fix the wobbling?
I had this happen once with a fan that wobbled! Balanced the fan blades and the flickering quit.
Btw; Does this fan have a dimmer? CFL bulbs don't like dimmers.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Eco-Friendly Light Bulbs
The era when buying a light bulb was as simple as buying a carton of milk is drawing to a close. Beginning on January 1, 2012, general purpose light bulbs will need to be 30% more efficient than traditional incandescent lamps. We field questions from progressive customers regularly about eco-friendly alternatives. Here's a list of the most common inquiries.
Q: When does it make good financial sense to consider eco-friendly light bulbs?
A: Eco-friendly light bulbs are a smart choice for lamps and fixtures that are on for at least three hours a day. This is based on a September 2009 national average residential electricity rate of $0.12 per kilowatt hour. In the dozen U.S. states (1) where hourly rates exceed $0.15, two hours of daily use is sufficient.
Depending on the lamp type, you should save enough on electricity costs for a payback period under two years. And since all types of eco-friendly light bulbs last longer than traditional ones, there should be plenty of life left in them after payback.
Q: What is a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL)?
A: CFL bulbs use electric current and gas to create ultraviolet (UV) energy. In turn, this energy excites phosphors which coat the inside of the glass which creates the structure of the lamp. The phosphors transform the UV to visible light.
Many CFLs have traditional screw-in bases and are suitable, energy efficient replacements for old-fashioned incandescent bulbs.
Q: What are the benefits of CFL bulbs?
- CFLs use less energy so they cost less to operate. CFL bulbs use roughly 75% less electricity to create the same amount of light as an incandescent bulb.
- Less energy used means less pollution. Think about it. By reducing electricity demand, we reduce production and by extension the harmful gases that are a byproduct of electricity generation. So long as CFLs are recycled when spent (to recapture the very small amount of mercury they contain), using CFL bulbs is a great way to help the environment and our wallets
- These eco-friendly light bulbs are designed to last a long time...typically 8,000 to 12,000 hours. Traditional light bulbs last only 750 to 3,000 hours.
- CFL bulbs are cool. Since they generate less heat than an incandescent, CFLs can reduce air conditioning costs.
- CFL bulbs are offered in a wide range of light colors ranging from warm white (similar to an incandescent bulb) to very cool white...virtually the same as daylight on a cloudless day.
Q: Do CFL bulbs have drawbacks that should be considered?
A:
- Frequent on / off switching will shorten the life of these eco-friendly light bulbs.
- CFL bulbs don't tolerate higher temperatures well so using them in a fixture that traps heat will reduce their life.
- The light output of CFLs will gradually dim over time.
- Standard CFLs shouldn't be used in fixtures controlled by a dimmer switch.
- CFL bulbs contain mercury, a toxic substance, and must be recycled properly. If a CFL shatters, it should be cleaned up carefully.
- CFL bulbs take time to warm up to full output. At normal room temperature, 30-45 seconds is about what to expect. The cooler the room though, the longer it will take.
- CFL bulbs used outdoors in cold temperatures will not be as bright.
- Screw-in dimmable CFL bulbs are available but their dimming performance is inferior to incandescent and halogen lamps. They have a reduced dimming range and may flicker and cut off at the low end.
Q: What other eco-friendly light bulbs besides CFL bulbs should I consider?
A:
- High-efficiency halogen lamps are a great choice. These eco-friendly light bulbs, which transform infrared heat into visible light, have hit the market in the last few years. Consider HEHLs where beautiful light quality and / or superior dimmability is desired. Unlike CFL bulbs, halogen lamps last longer when dimmed consistently.
- Light emitting diode (LED) light sources are being rapidly developed and show great promise for their high energy efficiency, extremely Long Life spans and light quality.
Like CFL bulbs, both of these light sources already meet the coming U.S. mandate (starting 1/1/2012) for a 30% increase in energy efficiency for general purpose light bulbs.
Q: Are eco-friendly light bulbs a good choice for the dimming fixtures I already use in my home?
A: Yes but first, keep in mind that dimming any bulb is an effective way to reduce electricity costs, carbon emissions and waste because even incandescent bulbs will last longer the more frequently they are dimmed.
Consider how often these fixtures are lit. If the fixture is lit for more than three hours per day, eco-friendly light bulbs are a smart choice.
For maximum energy savings at a reasonable cost, dimmable CFL bulbs are a good choice.
High efficiency halogen lamps are preferable if you desire superior light quality and maximum dimmability for great ambiance.
Q: When selecting eco-friendly light bulbs, how do I decide the right wattage so I get the amount of light I need?
A: Consumers have been buying traditional incandescent bulbs for so long that they've come to think of watts as the amount of light the bulb yields. In fact, "lumens" are the measure of light output at the source, while watts are the amount of electricity consumed.
The best way to choose eco-friendly light bulbs is to start by deciding how many lumens will do the job. Then read the package label and choose the lamp with this output.
As far as traditional incandescent "A" type lamps, 25 watts equals approximately 210 lumens; 40 watts=500 lumens; 60 watts=850 lumens; 75 watts=1,200 lumens; 100 watts=1,700 lumens; and, finally, 150 watts is equivalent to about 2,800 lumens.
Tip: when selecting a CFL, remember that their light output will diminish by about 25% over the bulb's life. Think about buying one with higher initial lumens than required so as their brightness fades (and your eyes age), you'll still have enough light in your space.
Q: I'm uncomfortable with the fact that CFL bulbs contain mercury. Are there mercury-free options among eco-friendly light bulbs?
A: Yes! High efficiency halogen lamps and LEDs are mercury-free.
Q: I hear a lot about LED lights. When are they worth considering?
A: Premium quality LEDs from reputable manufacturers are still expensive. For most consumers LEDs only make financial sense in light fixtures that are on at least six to eight hours a day. LEDs might make sense in these situations:
- Recessed downlights in kitchens, family rooms or great rooms
- Exterior lights on porches or posts or any security lights that are lit from dusk to dawn
- Task lamps in home offices or workshops
- Under cabinet lights in kitchens
Q: Should I replace all the light bulbs in and around my home with eco-friendly light bulbs?
A: No. We think that would be a mistake. Take a hall closet light for example: maybe it gets switched on once every other day for two minutes. Its annual electricity draw is practically nothing. Why spend $5 on a light bulb to replace one that's working just fine and costs almost nothing to operate?
Focus on the 3-5 fixtures that are on for at least 2-3 hours every day. Pick these low-hanging fruit - where electricity and pollution savings can be had for a minimal investment. If money is still burning a hole in your pocket and you want to satisfy your eco-conscience, hire a qualified energy auditor to check your home. You'll get a punch list where green investments will make much greater contributions to your savings.
Works Cited
1. AK, CA, CT, HI, NH, NJ, NY, MA, MD, ME, RI and VT
About the Author
Peter Ellinwood is the founder and owner of GreenPoma, an online retailer of hard-to-find, best-in-breed, environmentally-friendly lighting options. During the 25 years he spent in the insurance industry in Boston, Baltimore, and Annapolis, he acquired an extensive background in product management and marketing, but decided to use this knowledge for a greater purpose - selling energy-efficient light bulb, LED, halogen, and CFL products along with great advice. To make a purchase or learn more about going green, please visit www.greenpoma.com.
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