The Easiest Way to Reduce Your Energy Usage

The number one easiest way to reduce the energy usage in your home (or office, for that matter) is to change your light bulbs. Instead of the typically 60W and 100W bulbs, use compact fluorescent bulbs and consume just 1/3 of the energy.

Does it really make that much of a difference in the energy?

Yes. A 100W bulb pulls, well, 100 watts an hour. A compact fluorescent bulb that gives off the same energy as a 100W bulb, only uses 26 watts an hour. (Actually, my Kill-A-Watt is measuring it at just 22W.)

But does it look all gross and fluorescenty?

No. My husband can't tell the difference at all. I'm very picky and can barely tell.

I heard that they are bad for the environment because of the mercury.

They contain less mercury than a watch battery. They are great because they use less energy. Make the switch.

Where are the best places to use the bulbs?

a) Hard to reach places - they last 5 to 10 times longer than regular bulbs...so that means you'll almost never have to change them.

b) On lights that you leave on for a long period of time. That's because these bulbs will make a bigger impact there. Also, they take a minute to warm up, so they won't be as useful in a location where you need light for just a second (ie: a closet).

What are some other benefits of the bulbs?

You want more? Fine! I'll give you more! They are cool to the touch. This means if you are working/sitting near them, you won't get hot or heat up your room. An extra plus in the Sunshine State.

Anything else I should know?

You do need to dispose of these properly. Bring them to a hazardous waste disposal location when they burn out a long, long time from now.

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Comments

[Al]

Hiya Mates in Miami...

Great post and totally ties in with the Christmas Lights Campaign green Jenni & I recently started to get people to pledge to gift their friends and family a CFL each this Christmas.

More info here.

Could I convince you to join the campaign?

Either way,

Namaste

Al

[Rebecca Carter]

I'm in! I was waiting a bit to promote it to my readers, but it is a great idea.

gM readers: The basic idea is to pledge to buy a compact fluorescent bulb for each person that you'll give a gift to this holiday season.

Great idea!