Compact Fluorescent Bulb Q&A:
- Question: How do I recycle a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL)? Answer: The Home Depot, True Value Hardware stores, Ikea and other stores such as Ace Hardware offer recycling of CFLs. WalMart is apparently developing its own recycling program to compliment its commitment to CFLs.
- Question: Are CFLs more expensive than regular bulbs? Answer: Not anymore. Although this used to be the case, now some highly rated compact fluorescent lamps sell for only $1.75 apiece from WalMart. When you consider that they last five times as long as traditional bulbs, the case is clear and compelling for using CFLs.
What's all the fuss about?
The benefits of using compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) over incandescent bulbs are numerous. The most commonly trumpeted benefit is the reduction in energy costs to the users of CFLs when compared to incandescents which require approximately 7.5 times as much energy to produce the same amount of light.
This reduction in energy usage impacts not only the consumer by lowering her monthly electricity bill but also reduces the strain on the power companies, which in turn translates into fewer power plants having to be built, which may reduce utility costs as well.
The payback can often be accelerated by taking a two-step approach to reducing energy usage. Installing compact fluorescent bulbs is one, another is reducing the amount of excess lighting that is used in the home throughout the day. In other words: turn it off when it isn't needed.
By monitoring our lighting usage, reducing the number of lights on in a room at different times of day (paying close attention to peak billing hours) we can further reduce our energy consumption.
