Since their introduction in the mid 1990s, CFLs (compact flourescent lamps/light bulbs) have generated lots of discussion and debate in light bulb aisles across the world. Yes there is a lot of hype behind them, but CFLs truly are an incredible technology.
Although, how can you justify spending up to five times as much for a CFL over a traditional incandescent light bulb? You can justify this with three reasons.
- CFLs last significantly longer than incandescents. On average, a CFL will last about 10,000 hours and an incandescent will only last about 1000 hours. This reason alone is enough to validate spending five times more because it will last ten times longer
- CFLs save money. By replacing just one incandescent with a CFL you will be saving an average of $22 per year considering direct energy saving, reduced HVAC cost, and reduced labor to change lamps. Multiply that by about 30 light fixtures in your home and CFLs will save the average household $3300 dollars over the five year life of the bulbs!
- CFLs save the environment. If you are trying to do your part in cleaning up our environment, this may be the most important reason of all. Compared to an incandescent bulb, a CFL will save 2000 times its own weight in greenhouse gases over its lifetime. Just imagine the enironmental effects if everyone in the world replaced their bulbs.
CFLs last longer, save money, and save the environment. Even if you are not interested in saving our planet, you have two reasons to make the switch. Why are you not replacing your lightbulbs right now?
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