Because electrical lighting consumes nearly 15% of a household's
electricity use, you may wish to learn about some energy
efficient lighting alternatives. Compact fluorescent lamps
(CFLs) are one you should consider.
Their design blends the energy efficiency of fluorescent
lighting with the convenience and interchangeability of
incandescent fixtures. CFLs will fit nearly any fixture designed
for an incandescent bulb.
CFLs can replace incandescent lights approximately 3-4 times
their wattage, which means you can save up to 75% of the
lighting energy. Although CFLs cost 10-20 times more than
comparable incandescent bulbs, they last 10-15 times as long. In
other words, over the long term you save lots of money by paying
more up front.
Compact fluorescent lamps work a lot like regular fluorescent
lamps. They're comprised of two parts: a magnetic or electronic
ballast, and a gas-filled tube. The gas inside the tube glows
with ultraviolet light when electricity from the ballast runs
through it. This in turn triggers a white phosphor coating on
the inside of the tube, emitting visible light all the way
through the surface of the tube.
The type of compact fluorescent lamps which use magnetic
ballasts flicker when they start, like regular fluorescents do.
They also weigh more than CFL's with electronic ballasts, which
may make them too heavy for some light fixtures. Electronic
ballasts are more expensive, but light immediately. They are
also more efficient than magnetic ballasts. Most currently
available CFLs have electronic ballasts. Because compact
fluorescent lamps are designed to operate within certain
temperature ranges, temperatures outside the range cause reduced
light output. A CFL's temperature range can found printed on
most lamp packages. Although there are models offered for
outdoor use, most are for indoor applications. You can install
outdoor CFLs in enclosed fixtures to reduce the effects of
colder temperatures and wind chill.
This type of lighting is at its most cost effective in areas
where lights are left on for long periods of time. In locations
where lights are turned on for short periods of time, such as in
closets and pantries, an incandescent bulb may be a better
choice. Since compact fluorescent lamps do not need to be
changed often, they are perfect for hard-to-reach areas like
ceiling fixtures.
Try out a CFL for a test run and see how much energy you save.
About the author:
Carlo Morelli writes for OnlineTips.Org, where you can read tips
on
adding
insulation to your attic,
outdoor
steel gazebos and other home/garden topics.
