The Energy Superstore was developed with a singular purpose: to enable residential, business and industrial customers to save energy in the most efficient and cost effective ways possible. With over 40 years of experience, we provide many tools including energy audits, products, and recommendations. Compact Fluorescent Lighting, LED Light Bulbs, Dimmable CFLs, Energy Audits, and much more from your Energy Saving Superstore.
The history of light has not reached its end as of yet. In fact, it has been revolutionized by the new compact fluorescent bulbs now in the market. These new fluorescent bulbs give consumers an alternative to the old halogen light bulbs. Halogen light bulbs are variants of the original incandescent light bulb invented by Thomas Edison. Like incandescent bulbs, halogen bulbs are outdated and grossly inefficient. They are also very hazardous, although they are cheap and therefore convenient; they have the ability to create costly damages.
How Halogen Bulbs Work
The reason halogen bulbs are so ineffective and dangerous is in how they make energy. Like incandescent bulbs, they generate energy to create light. The problem, however, is that all the energy they create is not used effectively. Most of the energy created actually causes the bulb to emanate heat reaching extreme temperatures, which can cause burns or even ignite fires, instead of being used for lighting purposes. This in turns means that most of the energy used is wasted, dangerous, and ineffective.
Fluorescent Bulbs Solve the Issues of Halogens
The fluorescent bulb on the other hand solves all three issues. Compact fluorescent bulbs do not use heat to produce lighting but instead use a variety of gasses and electricity. This in turn means that they don't heat up as much as their counterparts and are safer to use. In fact, several Universities have opted to use these bulbs over the halogen bulbs to prevent accidents.
Not only do these bulbs produce light more effectively but they are more cost effective. Their initial cost may be higher but their long term cost saves money in the end. For example, a halogen bulb can last up to two years whereas fluorescent bulbs have a life of up to five years! It seems well worth it to invest in fluorescent bulbs over the highly inefficient halogen and incandescent bulbs.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
When the two bulbs are compared, it becomes obvious which one is superior. Yet, as life has it, everything does have its advantages and disadvantages. The fluorescent bulb does hold one consequence: mercury. One of the gasses found in these bulbs is mercury, a contaminant. To this one problem, the fluorescent bulb has two pros though, by being more energy efficient it should reduce the amount of mercury production and can serve as an option to going green, a step to prevent global warming.
It seems as though there are trade-offs to either scenario, but when you factor in all the environmental benefits, monetary and energy saving benefits, and the safety benefits, I think you will agree that fluorescent light bulbs are the lighting technology of the future.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Modern Led Devices Vs. Traditional Light-emitting Sources
- How to Save Money and Energy in Home Lighting
- Outdoor Lighting
- Lighting in Its Different Aspects and Forms
- Ways To Select The Perfect Lights And Lights Fixtures For Your Home
- How to reduce your energy use from home lighting and save money
- Upgrade Your Home with Energy Efficient Lighting
- Exploring Halogen Light Bulbs
The Ancient Greeks believed that lightning came from the Gods
By: Paul Ingersole | 21/12/2009Of course, now we know where lightning really comes from and why it really happens. It has to do with the weather patterns and the clouds and how they all interact. The interaction causes electricity which we end up seeing. Understanding what lightening is can be very helpful when it comes to preparing to protect your family from it.
Contingency Plan and Response Centre for Oil Spill Cleanup on Land
By: oil | 21/12/2009A Contingency Plan is prepared in anticipation of an oil spill. Oil spills affect the environment including flora and fauna. Immediate response minimizes the harmful effects caused by an oil spill. Oil Gone Easy 200 is biodegradable product that can be used for effective oil spill cleanup.
Nonpoint Source Water Pollution
By: oil | 21/12/2009Water pollution caused by various sources such as oil and sand from roadways and toxic materials from urban and suburban areas is called nonpoint source pollution. Oil spills are one of the major sources of nonpoint pollution. Proper disposal of used oil and oil spill cleanup helps prevent water pollution. Environmentally friendly products offered by Oil Gone Easy can be used to effectively clean up such oil spills.
Behavior of Oil
By: oil | 21/12/2009It is essential to know the behavior of oil when spilled at sea or on land to proceed with the response plans. The knowledge of behavior of oil helps in successful oil spill response. The pressing needs of the hour are minimal response times, efficient control of oil spreading, and temporary storage facilities.
Digging a irrigation well today is much simpler than in was 60 years ago
By: Paul Ingersole | 20/12/2009It is important that individuals are aware not to drink any water than comes from irrigation well. This water is not treated for consumption and it could result in serious illness or death due to the types of bacteria found in irrigation well water. The use of irrigation wells saves ranchers and farmers thousands of dollars each year.
A common irrigation system most of us are familiar with is the home sprinkler system
By: Paul Ingersole | 20/12/2009For gardens, a smaller version of a system similar to the sprinkler system we mentioned is installed. However, instead of using sprinkler heads you will use a drip system that gets the water supply to the part of the flowers or vegetables in your garden that need it the most. You can make a garden irrigation system for any size garden using the proper irrigation supplies.
There are many types of irrigation systems used for homes, land, and businesses
By: Paul Ingersole | 20/12/2009An irrigation well is very common for assisting with the irrigation of large parcels of land. While it does require some maintenance, it is a very effective way to get water to the location. Irrigation canals are also very popular. For smaller irrigation needs, collection rain water in a barrel and having a valve to release it to your garden or lawn is a great way to use a natural resource.
A drip irrigation system works best for a flower garden
By: Paul Ingersole | 20/12/2009Using a rain barrel is a very simple way to collect the water that runs down your rain gutters. You can install an on/off valve to your garden irrigation system. This gives you the option of using the rain water instead of paying for water to irrigate your garden. Don’t worry about it having a negative affect on your garden as rain water doesn’t contain any chlorine, fluoride, or chemicals that will have an adverse affect on your garden.
The Solar Power Timeline
By: Steve Hanson | 14/10/2008 | NatureThe technology is available to us today, to utilize solar power for vehicles, planes, rockets, skyscrapers, and even cities. The sky is the limit for the future.
The Potential of Wave Power
By: Steve Hanson | 14/10/2008 | NatureExperts have been attempting to harness the power of the wave since the late 19th century. The present looks grim, but the future looks bright for wave generated electricity.
Reflecting on the Potential of Nuclear Power
By: Steve Hanson | 14/10/2008 | Causes & OrganizationsThere are over 400 nuclear power reactors that are up and running on the planet, and believe it or not, the number is growing. The potential is there for nuclear to become a leader in sustainable energy production.
Increase Your Squat By 100 Pounds in 10 Weeks
By: Steve Hanson | 17/09/2008 | Muscle BuildingTo be considered 'really strong' you should be able to squat 2x your bodyweight. Learn how to add 100 pounds to your total squat in just 10 weeks.
11 Ways to Save Energy and Money by Switching to LED Lighting
By: Steve Hanson | 16/09/2008 | Causes & OrganizationsLight-emitting diodes (LEDs) are becoming far more common for indoor lighting solutions due to their human and environmental safety, cost, and longevity. Here are 11 ways you'll save energy and money by switching to LED.
So You Want to Eat Carbs with a Low Glycemic Index
By: Steve Hanson | 16/09/2008 | Weight LossFoods with a low glycemic index help you to be healthy. High glycemic index carbs make you fat and can give you diabetes. Check out this list of foods to eat and foods to avoid.
Lose Weight By Burning More Calories Than You Consume
By: Steve Hanson | 05/09/2008 | NutritionMany beginner athletes start exercising to lose fat. Observe the rule of, calories stored = calories consumed - calories burned, and you will have weight loss success.
The Environmental Effects of Wasting Energy
By: Steve Hanson | 05/09/2008 | Causes & OrganizationsMankind needs energy for heating, cooking, manufacturing and for transportation. Our lives and lifestyles depend on it. Learn how to stop wasting energy now before it's too late!