Switch to CFL Bulbs - Save Money and Energy With Compact Fluorescent Bulbs

I'm sure by now you've heard of compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) and if you aren't yet using them, you are missing out on some real savings. One Energy Star qualified CFL can save you between $30 and $45 over the life of the bulb.

CFL bulbs use about 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and although more expensive, they will pay for themselves in about 6 months and last up to 10 times longer. Some CFL bulbs last up to 10 years and come with a manufacturer replacement warranty. That means you will also save by buying less bulbs. The drop in electricity usage from CFL bulbs means a drop in demand and a reduction of mercury being emitted by power plants.

Few people realize that household lighting accounts for 15% on average of a families power consumption. I know you remember being told and maybe constantly reminded to turn the lights off when you leave a room, but with energy and money savings in mind, you won't have to force yourself to do so. Also remember lights give off extra heat which will have your air conditioning working overtime in the summer to cool what is already unneeded energy consumption, just another reason to flip that switch when the lights aren't being used.

Additional points to note

• CFL bulbs do contain a very small amount (4 milligrams on average) of mercury and should be disposed of at your local recycling location. To find your local recycling locations you can visit http://www.epa.gov/bulbrecycling/
• While dimmer switches can set an ambiance and save you money on your energy bill with old incandescent light bulbs, it is not recommended that you use them with CFL bulbs as it can shorten the life of the bulb.

Autor: Bradley C. Williams Bradley C. Williams
Level: Basic PLUS
Brad is an internet marketer from the mountains of North Carolina with a strong desire to make people more aware of energy waste. He hopes ... ...

Brad Williams is an internet marketer with a focus on cutting energy consumption and waste while bringing alternative energy sources to the forefront. Please stop by his website http://www.magnetpowergenerator.com/

Added: September 6, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/