Incandescent light bulbs changed our world – they were inexpensive and cast a nice yellow glow. But, if you’ve ever tried to change a bulb that has just been turned off, you probably burned your fingers and instantly understood the energy waste involved. Only 10% of the power used in a traditional bulb makes light – the rest is wasted on heat.
Changing one traditional bulb to a CFL will save you at least $60 in electricity over the bulb’s life – an average of 7 years! - and reduce your green house gas emissions.
CFLs emit light when the gas inside the tube is activated by electricity and glows. CFLs aren’t new – many of us remember them as the noisy overhead lights in our schools, stores or offices. Today, those lights are quiet, come in every shape and size, emit a more natural light. Under a lampshade you will be hard-pressed to tell the difference between a traditional bulb and a CFL.
An easy place to start switching to CFL use is right at your door – change bulbs in your outdoor fixtures which are often left on for many hours.
