Facts on Fluorescent Bulbs
Fluorescent light bulbs are some of the most efficient and eco-friendly bulbs available. They are known to use about 20 to 40 percent less electricity when compared to standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. Their compact style and efficiency makes fluorescent bulbs ideal for fixtures in homes, offices and even street lights. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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People tend to think of lighting, bulbs and electrical lamps as being the invention of Thomas Edison with his incandescent light bulbs. However, Ed Hammer, an engineer for General Electric (GE)invented the Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) in 1976. GE executives liked the idea but the commercial production required new manufacturing facilities, which at the time would have cost GE $25 million, leading them to deem it as economically not viable to produce. The design was eventually leaked and produced by numerous others before GE could initiate a licensing program.
Advantages
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Fluorescent light bulbs are around 66 percent cheaper than regular incandescent lighting options, while providing the same amount of brightness; these light bulbs last longer with an average lifespan of six times that of an incandescent light bulb. Further, they don't discharge additional heat as common with incandescent light bulbs, thus reducing fears of burning and other electrical malfunctions.
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Disadvantages
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The primary disadvantage of fluorescent lighting is that the initial costs can be up to three times when compared to other types of light bulbs. Fluorescent lighting is known to flicker noticeably, which may prove distracting for some users. It is also considerably less attractive, especially since they only emit bright white light, which also means they cannot be used for mood lighting.
Statistics
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According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), 9 percent of residential electricity is used for lighting purposes only. The average monthly cost for electricity of residential homes in the U.S. is roughly $100; nine percent of $100 is $9, which means the average American household spends an average of $108 on electricity for lighting purposes. CFLs only consume an average of 25 percent of the electricity when compared to incandescent bulbs, enabling American households potential savings of up to $81 a year using fluorescent lighting options.
Precautions
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The advantages of buying fluorescent bulbs include the fact that they reduce overall mercury emission into the air. However, all fluorescent bulbs contain tiny amounts of mercury, which is highly toxic upon contact. Over 20 percent of homes in the United States make use of CFLs and they presents a major health hazard if not disposed of properly. Mercury is a heavy metal and thus does not break down to a harmless substance, which can present symptoms including headaches, memory loss, tremors and other more serious nervous system disorders.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit fluorescent light bulb image by jovica antoski from Fotolia.com
