So we have all heard about these new light bulbs? And while they aren’t a relatively new technology they have been receiving a lot of attention lately. The compact fluorescent bulb (often referred to as a CFL) technology surfaced in the mid-1980’s and was placed on the backburner for years. So let’s investigate what these light bulbs are all about.
“In the
United States, in 1992 Congress passed the National Energy Policy Act, opening the electric industry to competition. In Canada, two provinces - Alberta and
Ontario - deregulated their electricity markets in 1991 and 1993 respectively (http://www.newenergy.com). This opened a huge window for opportunity to save electricity and save money. Before this act it only mattered if the switch was “on” or “off”. With the production of electricity a major pollution source finding efficient solutions to pollution is a good thing! So let’s look at these light bulbs. . .
If you look on the package of your “regular” incandescent bulbs they burn anywhere between 750 to 1,100 hours. The light is emitted from a looped filament on the bulb (looks like a small wire spindle) which comes from the two piece base. These light bulbs produce a great amount of heat; try to touch one an hour after it has been on.
The Compact fluorescent light bulb is made with two main parts: the gas-filled tube (also called bulb or burner) and the magnetic or electronic ballast. The electrical current runs through the ballast and gas area emitting a bright light. They use a quarter amount of energy compared to the regular bulb. The CFL has a 10000 hours life span. . . And guess what folks? It produces little to no heat at all; this is a definite plus when using the air condition at your home. The light emitted is very bright from these light bulbs. Over time the color may change but this is to be expected with any light bulb getting older.
So you are interested in saving money and cutting down the emissions; where do you go and what do the light bulbs look like? Just head down to any reliable hardware/ home improvement store and they will steer you in the correct direction. The compact fluorescent light bulb has a spiral shape and is very small.
Have an “environmentally friendly” good day.
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We switched after the baby came home on the ventilator. I figured it would be the better all around. I love the CFL bulbs... they're much more interesting in appearance than the standard bulbs and they save a heck of a lot on electricity as well. Not to mention, the hour life of the standard bulbs is crap in my experience. They never last as long as they are supposed too. If the CFL bulbs last even twice as long as the others, I'll be happy!
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." Aristotle
"No persons are more frequently wrong, than those who will not admit they are wrong." Francois De La Rochefoucauld