Our quest for lower energy bills without a big change in lifestyle has been given a big boost by the introduction of the compact fluorescent lightbulb (CFL bulb). They are easily recognized by their distinctive shape. Although their form looks somewhat like the old incandescent bulbs with which we are all familiar, this new bulb is quite different when you look closer. Instead of a tiny filament suspended in a vacuum, the CFL bulb consists of a tiny tube twisted into the light bulb shape.
So here’s the big deal about CFL bulbs: they can put out the same amount of light as traditional lightbulb with much less electricity. Simply put, they make more light per watt. In general, they use about one fourth of the energy compared to regular bulbs. What this means for you and me is that our houses can be well lit, but much friendlier to our electricity budget and the environment as a whole.
If you’ve never shopped for CFL bulbs before, you may be shocked by the price. They are more expensive than the light bulbs you were used to. When you compare prices, you have to realize that the new CFL bulbs last up to 10 times longer. So if you really want a true price comparison, take the price of a normal 60 W bulb and multiply it by 10. Then compare that number to the cost of the CFL bulb. In the long run, you’ll be saving money.
When CFL bulbs first came out, I didn’t really like them very much. To me their light seemed harsh, not quite the right color. But manufacturers have responded to the needs of the market and are now producing CFL bulbs that give off a warm, soft glow.
Whether you like CFL bulbs or not, you probably better get used to them. We incandescent lights are being phased out and there will come a day when they’re no longer available. This may seem like a bad idea to you, but that’s probably what the gas lamp owners thought 100 years ago.
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