Yes, you can switch to Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
Hat tip to Darren for the link to this site:
By now, we’ve all heard the benefits of compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). Consuming roughly 30 percent of the power required for a similar incandescent bulb, CFLs are a no-brainer way to reduce home energy bills and slash greenhouse gas emissions.
Australia says it will be the first nation to adopt lighting energy standards which effectively ban traditional bulbs, and there are plenty of other initiatives to do the same elsewhere. The CFL is here to stay. In fact, it’s heading your way faster than anyone expected.
Source: Lighter Footstep – How to live with CFLs
Basically CFL (as the site calls) them are a lot better than when they first came out. I think about 90% of the lights in the house are using them. In fact all of the lights in my office use them. One early problem with CFLs was that they didn’t work (or didn’t work for long) in enclosed fixtures. That problem is gone now.
The warm-up period is still there for some bulbs, but I can live with that for the energy savings over time.
Yes, they are more expensive, but since they last a lot longer, it all works out.
Look into whether your local electric company has programs for you to get coupons or free sample packs. BC Hydro does this pretty much every year. Great way to get started. Costco also tends to put them on sale often as well.
See? I’m making it easy for you. Try them!
2 Comments
Thank you for the mention.
Yeah, compact fluorescent lightbulbs have improved considerably in the past few years. They’re still more expensive than incandescent bulbs at point of purchase — probably always will be — but with the price dropping close to $2/bulb and the obvious energy savings over their lifetime, CFLs are money in the bank.
Check the package to make sure the CFL you’re thinking about buying is approved for enclosed fixtures. Many are, but you need to be sure.
Happy re-lamping!
Thanks Chris! Yeah I made that mistake early on. The bulb lasted about a week or two before it fried itself!
I’m really happy with the quality of light now. I don’t notice any difference in my office.