How to make a switch to energy efficient light bulbs(CFL's)

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By MariM
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Spiral CFL

Why should you switch to Compact fluorescent Light Bulbs? Why wouldn't you, that is the question. These bulbs will save you money and help contribute to saving our planet. Need I say more. I know what you are saying "They are to expensive". I know, I used to say the same thing until I did a little research, now I finally have all of the bulbs in my house replaced. Do you know that if every household in America just replaced one Standard incandescent bulb with a Compact Fluorescent Light bulb (CFL) it would be equivilent to the greenhouse gas released by 800,000 cars. Now times that by twenty lightbulbs per house and then add the entire world making this change. Not only one person can create a big difference but we all join together and we can. In this article I will tell you a little about some different kinds of bulbs. Explain the difference in energy used when using these bulbs and give you some great resources to follow up. There are many states that offer discount programs and coupons to purchase these CFL's. Knowledge is power. I'll provide the knowledge and you hold the power to make the change.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

knowledge on the bulbs that fit your needs
Money
Wanting to make a change

Step 1

CFL's use 75% less energy than the standard light bulb. The life of a CFL last ten times longer too.
They are expensive in the beginning but not if you buy a few at a time. I waited until I got my taxes to purchase the majority of my bulbs. If you can't do that then every month or two commit to just buying a pack and in no time you will have them all replaced. Look for coupons or check with your state to see if there is a program offered for discounts.
Step 2

Choosing the right bulb can be tricky. Sometimes you have to test a few out to see what you like best. Some of the older bulbs do not give out a desired amount of light, that is why it is important to match what you purchase as closely to your old bulbs Lumen. A Lumen is the amount of light being generated or the light you see. A watt is the energy used. For example: If you are using a Standard 75 watt incandescent bulb and switch to a 75 watt Compact Fluorescent bulb it will be like using 18-25 watts of energy instead of 75. The Lumen range falls in the 1100's. So if you want to purchase a bulb that is equivalent to the same light with your old bulb match the lumen count and the watt. Also look on the box and it may tell you what bulbs it will replace.
Step 3

There are different shades or temperature's. This is the color that the bulb gives off. This is called Correlated Color Temperature which they measure in a Kelvin rating. Some bulbs have a look of a blue tint to them (cool white) with a high Kelvin count. Ex: 3500-4100-5000-6500 are high counts. Then there are bulbs that mimic a Standard bulb(warm white)lower kelvin count. Ex: 2700-3000 are low counts. The Kelvin rating will determine the color of light and brightness. The higher the Kelvin count the brighter the light given off. The lower the Kelvin count this produces a Soft or warm white light pretty close to Standard bulb light output. Manufacturers have made this easier by putting on most boxes information to help you decide what you need. For example: 75 watt replacement or soft white 70,
Step 4

There are many shapes and sizes available. Bare, Covered and reflector lights. Bare bulbs are when the spiral shape is not covered. Covered bulbs have a globe over them that makes it look just like a standard incandescent. The reflector mimics the bulb of a recessed bulb indoors or a flood/motion light outdoors. There are certain places to use each type around your home. The uncovered spiral are less desirable in an open light because there is no covering. Use these in lamps, ceiling fixtures or sconces. The globe covered can go pretty much anywhere. Outdoors as long as it is covered. The reflector indoor would be in recessed lighting, track lighting. The outdoor reflector would be outdoors in a motion or flood light that is exposed or uncovered. There is also a certain bulb that is designed only for a dimmer or three way switch. You want to make sure to use the CFL where recommended so you will get the entire life of the bulb.
Step 5

These bulbs need to be disposed of in a certain manner. There is a small trace of Mercury in all fluorescent lighting. This is what helps to make it more efficient but because they contain this we need to follow certain guidlines. There are recycling locations all over make sure to go to the resource link below and find one near you. If one happens to break use caution when cleaning up. There is no mercury emitted unless broken and it is about 4 milligrams. We still need to be careful with the disposal of any hazardous material. Batteries included.
Step 6

I hope this article has educated you with a little more knowledge about CFL's and why this is such an important switch to make. I of course cannot give you every single bit of information or I would have a five page article. I have included some great resources below. Make sure to check out the energystar.gov site. There is a great amount of information there.