When it comes to energy-efficient lighting, many consumers have carted an armload of new light bulbs home, only to see that each bulb presented a different problem: not fitting in non-traditional lamp sockets or under the shades, emitting an annoying hum or a cold light reminiscent of a hospital, having to warm up for minutes before being suitable, or not working in a dimmer switch. Choosing to swap incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and other energy-saving technologies is one of the easiest and most effective steps toward going green, but can be confounding unless you know what you are purchasing.
Save energy and money
First, understand why you are making the switch. CFL bulbs use 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and last more than 10 times longer. While CFLs have a higher purchase price, the energy savings from the decreased energy use and increased life of the bulbs are substantial. Assuming a cost per kilowatt hour of 15 cents, replacing 44 wasteful bulbs in a medium-sized home can save $3,500 over the life of the first set of energy-efficient bulbs. Residential electricity rates in Kirkland for PSE customers are based on usage and begin at about 10 cents per kWh, some of the lowest electricity rates in the country. But you can still save substantially on your electric bill and you are using less energy when you switch to CFLs.
CFLs are available in various shapes and sizes. The trick is matching the bulb to the task. Most people associate CFLs with a curly-q shape, but a range of traditionally-styled bulbs is available. Generally, spiral fluorescent bulbs are ideal in fixtures allowing airflow such as lamps, pendants and wall sconces. However, if your lamp or fixture reveals part of the bulb or if the shade fits onto the bulb, you can purchase CFLs that are covered to look like a standard incandescent.
Flood CFLs are designed for recessed fixtures and cast light evenly on your task area. Globes can be used in vanity strips found over bathroom sinks, or in hanging pendant lamps. Standard CFLs do not work on dimmer switches, but special dimmable CFL bulbs are available, as are bulbs for three-way sockets, outdoor use, and for chandeliers and decorative lighting.
Light-emitting diode bulbs (LEDs) are a great energy-saving option, as they use 80 percent less electricity than comparable incandescents, last 25 times longer (25,000 hours or more) and are manufactured without mercury. They are relatively expensive, but are very popular for use in decorative lighting, chandeliers, or night lights.
Quality of light
The light produced by CFLs falls in a range of colors. The most desired color, described as “soft white” or “warm white” (around 2,700 Kelvin), will bring out natural color tones and is ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and home offices. “Bright white” (around 4,100K), a cold or bluish white, produces a clean light good for garages, basements and some reading lamps. While it may be tempting to purchase the bulb labeled “daylight” (5,000K) or “natural”, this light is best for commercial spaces such as galleries, stores and restaurants.
A few words about mercury
A single CFL bulb contains about 5 milligrams of mercury, though premium, very low-mercury CFLs are also available. To put this in perspective, old “under the tongue” thermometers contained 500 milligrams of mercury and 5 milligrams of mercury takes up less space than the period at the end of this sentence. When a CFL is in use and intact, no mercury is released. And by using CFLs, you actually reduce the amount of mercury released into the environment by coal-fired power plants because you are using so much less electricity. For disposal, old CFLs should be recycled. Some national chains, like Home Depot and Bartells, recycle CFL bulbs for free. You may also take CFLs to King County Solid Waste household hazardous waste stations (the nearest to Kirkland is the Factoria Transfer station) or take them to the special recycling events in the fall and spring for free recycling. For a complete list of nearby locations to recycle CFLs, see Recycling. If a CFL breaks, simply air out the room, carefully sweep the pieces into a plastic bag, and throw it away.
Be even more efficient
After you make the switch to CFLs, kick your efficiency up a few more notches. Add task lights to desks, tables and night stands so that if you are working at your desk or reading, the entire room isn’t illuminated. Incorporate more daylight into your home by opening blinds or installing solar tubes, which are like skylights in tube form. Of course, keep lights off during the day or remove some bulbs from a fixture if it has more than are needed. Always use the lowest wattage needed for a task, as that saves energy as well. Train yourself and your family members to turn out the lights when leaving a room or consider installing room occupancy sensors that do this automatically.
These simple steps, when combined with a light bulb swap-out, are a great way to reduce the energy you use to light your home. If you’d like to receive a free guide to Energy-Efficient Lighting, or are interested in seeing the many types of energy-efficient bulbs in your home, send me an e-mail. I’d be happy to help you learn more about savings that will have a positive impact on both your wallet and our world.
Green Irene Eco-Consultant, Judi Radloff, helps Kirkland and other Eastside community residents implement proven green solutions in their homes and starts them on the path to a healthier, safer and more sustainable lifestyle. E-mail judi.eastside@greenirene.com, or visit Green Irene for more information.
