Save Money, Reduce Pollution, Make Al Gore Jump for Joy
The Sentinel's guide to ditching incandescent bulbs for fluorescent
Adrianne Dues
Issue date: 5/29/07 Section: News
On the other hand, CFL bulbs utilize a gas-charged tube that electricity passes through. The bulb then creates a chemical reaction, which produces the light. The result is a cooler, more efficient light source that uses less power. CFL bulbs generate 70% less heat so they are not only better for the environment and your electric bill, but are much safer, as they reduce the risk of fire. Less heat means less energy use, less energy use means a lower gas bill and a lower gas bill means more money in your pocket.
You can also keep the same brightness that you are accustomed to with incandescent bulbs. You can use the chart below to match the watts in your incandescent bulbs with CFL bulbs' wattage.
Incandescent Bulbs Beer Money-Saving Bulbs
40 Watts 9-12 Watts
60 Watts 13-18 Watts
75 Watts 19-24 Watts
100 Watts 25-30 Watts
Here are some things to keep in mind when purchasing CFL bulbs:
-You want to get the CFL bulbs that are Energy Star qualified. These bulbs will have an energy star label on the package. These are the bulbs that have met federal efficiency standards (and we all know the federal government only tells us the truth).
-CFL bulbs contain mercury, so one must dispose of them in the same manner as paint and batteries. If not disposed of properly, these bulbs will accumulate in landfills. (I only add this warning so that if a CFL bulb breaks and Cory the Cat eats it, I do not receive a sob story e-mail describing Cory's death).
-For the lazy kids who don't want to drive to Lowe's, you can go here and having shipped to your house/grody apartment, http://www.onebillionbulbs.com/BuyOnline, and purchase your CFL bulbs on-line with your emergency credit card from Mom and Pops.
You can also keep the same brightness that you are accustomed to with incandescent bulbs. You can use the chart below to match the watts in your incandescent bulbs with CFL bulbs' wattage.
Incandescent Bulbs Beer Money-Saving Bulbs
40 Watts 9-12 Watts
60 Watts 13-18 Watts
75 Watts 19-24 Watts
100 Watts 25-30 Watts
Here are some things to keep in mind when purchasing CFL bulbs:
-You want to get the CFL bulbs that are Energy Star qualified. These bulbs will have an energy star label on the package. These are the bulbs that have met federal efficiency standards (and we all know the federal government only tells us the truth).
-CFL bulbs contain mercury, so one must dispose of them in the same manner as paint and batteries. If not disposed of properly, these bulbs will accumulate in landfills. (I only add this warning so that if a CFL bulb breaks and Cory the Cat eats it, I do not receive a sob story e-mail describing Cory's death).
-For the lazy kids who don't want to drive to Lowe's, you can go here and having shipped to your house/grody apartment, http://www.onebillionbulbs.com/BuyOnline, and purchase your CFL bulbs on-line with your emergency credit card from Mom and Pops.
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