Someone once said "let there be light", but I didn't hear any mention of how it was actually done. Most folks nowadays do it just one way, with the common incandescent light bulb. It's cheap and brightbut it produces 90% heat and only 10% light from the energy you put in to it, so it's more efficient as an incubator warmer than a light source. As a result, lighting uses 25% of U.S. electrical energy use! Luckily, there is a better option for most homesCompact Fluorescent Lights, or CFLs. If you want to live lightly on the earth, one of the easiest and most basic things you can do is cut your energy consumption by replacing light bulbs in your home or office with CFLs.
Wait, wait, don't speak all at once! I know you have a lot of questions about CFLs, as I've heard a bunch already. Here are some of the most common.
Q. Do they really save a lot of energy?
A. CFLs put out 3 to 4 times the light for the same energy use. Roughly speaking, it only takes a quarter the energy for the same amount of light!
Q. Don't CFLs flicker? And doesn't the light look weird?
A. Well, I look pretty weird myself, but my parents still love me. Anyway, if you've ever been annoyed by CFLs due to flicker or unpleasant light color, give 'em another tryyou'll be surprised. New CFLs are flicker free and shine with pleasant light. You can get them in many shapes and sizes (even dimmable).
Q. Don't they take a long time to turn on?
A. Older ones did. New ones are "instant-on" and pretty darn convenient.
Q. But they're so expensive!
A. A common complaint about CFLs is the cost. While a cheapo incandescent bulb might cost 25˘, a CFL can cost $6-$15. That alone deters many people from buying CFLs, despite their ecological benefits. However, if you can afford the initial investment, and are looking towards the long term, CFLs will save you money. Their lower energy use and much longer lifetime make them cheaper in the long run. Plus, you don't have to be replacing light bulbs as often, since a CFL last up to ten times as long as a conventional bulb! Thus, a single CFL will save $10-25 in energy costs over its lifetime, paying back its initial cost and then some.
Q. Are all CFLs created equal?
A. Like any other consumer productno. Big names like Sylvania and Philips will probably be higher quality than the bargain basement Lights of America bulbs you can get at Home Despot.
Q. Don't they use a ton of energy just turning on that negates their benefits?
A. If I ever find out who started this myth, I will stick a lightbulb up their rumormill. This is completely untrue. They use some extra energy at startup, but not anything like the amount they save!
Q. Are there any places I shouldn't use CFLs?
A. It can shorten the lifetime of the bulb to be turned on and off a lot. So, in places where the bulb is frequently flicked on and off for just a few seconds, such as bathrooms or garages, it might not be worth it.
Q. Wow! These CFLs sound great! How can I get some of these cool bulbs?
A. Funny you should ask. There is an EPA-sponsored program that encourages companies to sell bulbs to consumers at low prices (with a minimum purchase), but it takes a special form. However, I am willing to help people get these cool bulbs by instituting a little buying program. Here's the deal: use the order form below. Write in how many of each type of bulb you want, and send a check for the correct amount to Dancing Rabbit, 1-LB Dancing Rabbit Lane, Rutledge, MO 63563. You can also pay via PayPal (an online payment service) and email me the details of your order. Either way, I'll order the bulbs and mail them out to you! This offer is only good until March 1, 2001, so I can just put in one order then. If I get a good response maybe I'll put the order form in next issue's newsletter again and I'll order another batch!
Order Form Here
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