Compact Fluorescent Bulbs, Eco Friendly Lighting, Energy Efficient Lighting

31
Dec

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFLs): Eco-Feat or Eco Failure?

Two years ago, the compact fluorescent bulb was supposed to shed an energy efficient form of light, casting out the incandescent light bulb in the United States. Towards the end of December 2011, the proposed ban on incandescent light bulbs was dimmed after some of the nation’s political leaders campaigned against the law.

However, The Hill, a political publication states that the intercepted legislation prevents the Department of Energy (DOE) from using funding to institute certain lighting standards, prohibiting the sale and use of incandescent light bulb.

In the United States, overthrowing the ban is considered a major achievement for the Republicans, who deemed the ban as a grave overreach of government power, restricting the American consumers’ preferences. Read the rest of this entry »

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30
Sep

CFLs VS. LEDs
Compact fluorescent lights CFL and the LED bulb are contenders of light efficiency. The US Department of Energy (DOE) purports that these light bulbs project a collective savings of $6 billion of power by 2015. Naysayers argue that CFLs and LED bulbs are more expensive than the incandescent light bulb. So Compact Fluroescents Light bulbs gleaned several facts from other online resources so that you could make your won decision:
- Compact fluorescent lights CFLs and LEDs share one purpose in common. Both illuminate a room the environmentally suitable way. Many consumers don’t quite understand the underlining difference between the light sources. But the compact fluorescent bulb is not as energy efficient as its counterpart, because it generates heat.
Recently, researchers at fISTIL- Light Pollution Science and Technology Institute in Italy, the National Geophysical Data Centre in Boulder, Colorado, and the University of Haifa issued a study evaluating LED lighting for suppressing the body’s production of melatonin, which is associated with causing behavior disruptions.
- LEDs outshine CFLs because its duration lasts 25 times longer than incandescent lights or 14 times longer than a CFLs life cycle.
- Given the LED’s extended light span, this luminosity comes at a cost starting at $15 to $40, depending on the manufacturer.
- CFLs consist of a hazardoous element, knonw as mercury, which is void in LED bulbs.
- CFL’s are nine times more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs, with bulbs as affordable as $1.50 per CFL bulb.
Energy efficiency determines which lighting apparatus is the best for the environment.
- Since CFLs are comprised of mercury, consumers should practice safe discarding tips as outlined on the Energy Star program.
Which element of lighting do you prefer a compact fluorescent CFL or a LED bulb?
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30
Jun

CFLs Usage Rules
Long ago parents used to reprimand the familty “turn off the lights.” It was a nagging instruction echoed in American households to curtail the electric bill. Nowadays, certain sources of lighting require longer periods powered on– to ensure the savings. These illumination devices are referred to as compact fluorescent lights CFLs, or compact fluorescent light bulbs (compact bulb). Familiarize your self with these dos and donts on the usages of CFLs.

Replace the outmoded.

The incandescent light bulb is rapidly becoming as outmoded as typewriters. In countries such as Canada and Australia, that these old-fashioned bulbs will soon be baned from use.
- CFLs consume 60 percent less energy than conventional bulbs.
Match it.

With the replacement of any incandescent light bulb, be sure to match the to wattage the appropriate wattage. Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs, with wattage equivalent. The packages for CFLs often demarcate the watt conversion for incandescent bulb.

Introduce ambiance.

For soft, ambient lighting select compact fluorescent bulbs with 22 watts are less.
- Some compact bulbs warrant 5000 hours of light.
No mixed marriages.

Despite the energy efficiency of CFLs, not all compact bulbs concur with every light fixture. This rule is applicable to dimmers and three way lamps. Only compact fluorescent light bulb, conducive for dimmers and 3-way lamps. are suitable for such fixtures. Incompatible bulbs can pose a fired hazard.

Let it shine on.

CFLss are manufactured to shed light for several hours at a time.. Flicking a compact fluorescent light bulb on and off will only abbreviate its life cycle.

Dispose with care.

CFLs consist of a small percentage of mercury. Although this amount is minimal, user should exercise environmentally responsible disposal of compact fluorescent light bulbs.

In many American cities, various companies offer disposal recycle services for CFLs. In 2007, Home Depot launched such a complimentary, national service. Consumers have the ability to turn in all unbroken compact bulbs to the return station at Home Depot.
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31
Mar

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs the Ultimate Earth Day Sacrifice

The switching from an incandescent light bulb to a compact fluorescent light bulb is like making a sacrifice on behalf of the ecosystem for Earth Day.

The Mayans, natives of the Yucatan peninsula, always revered the earth. Their nature gods consisted of a deity for rain, sun and corn. The Mayans had so much compassion for the earth that they would even make human sacrifices to pay homage. Today, Americans care so much about the earth that once a year, we observe Earth Day. Instead of sacrificing other humans, the replacement of one incandescent light bulb to a compact fluorescent light bulb (CFLs) represents a reduction of the carbon footprint.

Earth Day transpires on April 22^nd 2011.

Offering the energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulb for only a $1, the Responsible By Nature program is an earth compassionate initiative, sponsored by Xcel Energy. Participating merchants carry these Xcel company’s CFLs. While supplies last, consumers may visit ResponsibleByNature.com or m.responsiblebynature.com (for mobile end users) to enter a zip code to find participating retailers offering the special discount on compact fluorescent light bulbs.

According to the ENERGY STAR.gov Web site, by swapping out a 60-watt incandescent light bulb, consumers save $50 per CFL replacement over its seven to 10 year lifecycle.

Also, energy conservationists indicate that with the replacement of compact fluorescent bulbs, the savings adds up to a $25 savings over the first year’s electric bill. The reason is that CFLs consume 75 percent less energy than standard light bulbs.

While worshipping the earth does not necessitate the Mayans human offerings to the nature gods, the iridescent sacrifice of one incandescent light bulb to a compact fluorescent life is not only energy efficient, but a means for worshipping Mother Nature for Earth Day.

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29
Nov

How to Select Compact Fluorescent Lights Bulbs

For some, compact fluorescent lights bulbs are green per se. Given the single compact light bulb’s capacity to conserve energy equivalent to lighting 3 million households for 365 days, reduce an approximated $600 million in annual energy costs, and thwart 450,000 tons of greenhouse gases, compact fluorescent lights bulbs are a powerful source of light. But, when it comes to replacing incandescent bulbs with CFLs, some consumers don’t understand how to buy compact fluorescent light bulbs.

Here’s how to select Compact Fluorescent Lights Bulbs

Set the right hue.

What kind of light is needed? Is it yellow, white or blue? Compact fluorescent lights with a yellowish hue emit the lowest luminosity, reflective of an incandescent bulb. These bulbs are best for introducing an element of ambiance, which has a light equivalency of 2700 to 3000 Kelvin (K).

In the kitchen, where food preparation and cleaning are common tasks, cool white lights serve as task and ambient lighting. The appropriate CFL has a Kelvin of 3500 – 4100.

If you want to reenact daylight or natural lighting which happens to be good for reading, shop for compact fluorescent lights bulbs of 5000 K or higher.

Compatibility matters.

Just because the CFL has a life span 10 times the duration of an incandescent bulb, does not mean that the bulb is conducive for every lighting device. Any light fixtures that are incompatible with compact fluorescent lights bulbs, have a tendency to short circuit the working components of a CFL or even damage the lighting device.

ENERGY STAR qualified light fixtures (by manufacturers
partnered with ENERGY STAR) carry a 2-year warranty.

Spend now, save later.

Unlike the energy needed to light an incandescent light bulb, compact fluorescent lights bulbs require 75 percent less energy, reducing overall energy consumption and costs.

Source: The aforementioned resources were provided by ENERGY STAR.

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08
Jul

Watts to Know about Compact Fluorescent Bulbs Wattage
Just about every publication in the media touts the benefits and energy efficiency of the compact fluorescent light. While many articles hype the green-friendly advantages, few actually calculate the compact fluorescent bulbs wattage or watt conversion of an incandescent bulb to a CFL.

These facts and calculations gleaned from the ENERGY STAR site and other compact fluorescent bulb resources shed light on the compact fluorescent bulbs wattage:
- An incandescent light bulb emits 1000 hours of light versus the 10,000 hours that the compact fluorescent light bulb provides.
- One 23-watt compact fluorescent light bulb has the luminosity of 100-watt incandescent bulbs
- Sources at How Stuff Works says that by replacing one single 60-watt bulb with a 13-compact fluorescent bulb, a household can save $30 in energy bills.
Refer to these compact fluorescent bulbs wattage – conversions to replace a CFL with a standard bulb

Compact Fluorescent bulbs wattage Conversions for Standard Bulbs

10w       =       40w

13w-15w =    60w

20w =            75w

26w-29w =    100w

38w-42w =     150w

55w    =           250w-300w
- A 23 watt compact fluorescent light bulb outshines and conserves 80 percent more electricity or watts than an average of 100-watt incandescent light bulb.
- The University of Wisconsin Energy Education Program says that the compact fluorescent bulbs wattage of a single 23-watt CFL compact fluorescent bulb conserves 550kWH versus a 75-watt incandescent bulb.
A compact fluorescent bulb’s vibrancy or luminosity is measured in terms of lumens.
- In the color spectrum for compact fluorescent light bulbs, the term “warm” refers to the bulb’s color temperature, which ranges between 2700 and 3000 watts.
- The compact fluorescent bulbs wattage for 9 to 13 watt compact fluorescent bulbs is equivalent to a 40-wattt incandescent bulb, emitting 450 lumens.
- Although the initial cost of a 13-watt compact fluorescent ($3.77) is more expensive than an incandescent bulb (60-watts), GE Energy Smart™, the savings is recouped in replacement and energy costs—an approximated $34 savings value.
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21
Jun

Energy Star Compact Fluorescent Bulbs IQ
What distinguishes an ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent bulb from a no name compact fluorescent bulb? The answer is quite simple: safety. While most people are aware that the compact fluorescent bulb is lauded for its energy efficiency and ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, its longevity is often overlooked. The proceeding facts highlight the most redeeming qualities of the ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent bulb:
- Beginning in January of 2012, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, also dubbed as the “Energy Bill,” signed on December 18, 2007 mandates that all light bulbs use one-third less energy than today’s incandescent bulbs.
Did you know that lighting accounts for an estimated 20 percent of the average household’s energy bill?
- When compared with the shelf life of the bulb manufactured in 1990, today’s ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent bulb has almost double the light span.
- To calculate the wattage of an incandescent lamp divide the total wattage by four for an approximated wattage of the ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent lamp, emitting the same light output.
- The ENERGY STAR website features a CFL calculator that provides consumers with the cost savings for replacing CFLs throughout the home.
- The life ratings of a compact fluorescent bulb are assessed according to specific conditions, whereby the bulb has a three hour burning cycle,
- ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent bulbs have an average cost ranging from $2 to $15. On the contrary, these bulbs represent approximately $30 or more per bulb in energy savings, providing a return on the initial investment.
- ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent bulbs meet UL safety standards –in that they are self-extinguishing.
To offset electricity costs, replace your incandescent bulbs with ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent bulbs.
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07
Jun

What Works with Compact Fluorescent Bulbs Dimmer and Other Lamps?

Despite the compact fluorescent bulb’s luminosity, the light source is not for every fixture. From the CFL to the compatibility of the compact fluorescent bulbs dimmer, there are several misconceptions and questions about the compact fluorescent light bulb.

Can we save energy bills by replacing the bulbs in our dimmer with a compact fluorescent light bulb?

Compact fluorescent bulbs have been found to reduce energy costs. However, Compact fluorescent bulbs are not suitable for every lighting option. For instanceGE Longlife Plus Soft White Energy Saving Bulb works specifically for a compact fluorescent bulbs dimmer switch. When CFLs are used with incompatible lamp fixtures, it reduces the bulb’s longevity.

Recently, I bought six compact fluorescent bulbs for my lamp which has an electronic timer. Each time, I place a new CFL in the socket, the compact fluorescent bulb burns out within a week. Does this mean that the CFLs are defective?

Not all compact fluorescent bulbs are compatible for every lamp. Read the manufacturer’s guidelines to make sure that the fixture works with a compact fluorescent light bulb. (This is particularly true of the compact fluorescent bulbs dimmer.

I’ve read that compact fluorescent bulbs are inappropriate for enclosed fixtures. Does this mean that all compact fluorescent bulbs are inoperable outdoors?

It really depends on the compact fluorescent light bulb. Although certain compact fluorescent bulbs are inappropriate for enclosed fixtures, it depends on the product. Be sure to read the packaging to determine safe use instructions. If the packaging does not include these details, it is not recommended for an enclosed fixture.

Is a CFL ideal for rooms where the light is turned on and off at least 20 times a day?

On the contrary, compact fluorescent bulbs attain the highest efficiency when they are left on for at least 15 minutes or more. Since, they require three minutes to warm up, repetitive light switching shortens its life span. To conserve the light source’s life opt for compact fluorescent bulbs dimmer or CFLS fixtures with pre-settings.

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24
May

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs Make Global Headlines

Around the world the compact fluorescent bulbs are in the spotlight, making international headlines. From Australia, Tonopah, Nevada, to Bankladash, CFLs have a luminous future.

While many publications credit Australia for being the first country to ban compact fluorescent light bulbs, Archictect Ideas, contends that dictator, Fidel Castro required Cuban citizens to replace the energy sapping incandescent light with the CFL back in 2005.

In November of 2009, Australia announced an official ban against the incandescent bulb. Although the law has been in effect for more than a year, the objective has been to phase in the CFL, eliminating 800,000 tons of green house gas emission by the year 2012. The province of Canada plans to implement the same ban in 2012, making it the second country to pursuant to Australia.

[Source: http://architectureideas.info/2010/04/lamp-types-cfl-compact-fluorescent-lamp]

In Tonopah, Nevada, the utility company, V Energy distributes a complimentary 12-pack of compact fluorescent bulbs to some 1200 homes. The program which began in 2003 asserts that it has vended and given roughly 10 million CFLs to present date.

To spur consumer consumption and reduce up to 400 megawatts of electricity per day Bangladesh plans to distribute compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs, exchanging the incandescent bulb.

[Source: http://planetark.org/enviro-news/item/57928]

Nations are not the only entities imposing stringent stipulations on the compact fluorescent light bulb. In an effort to decrease the magnitude of the carbon emissions expended transporting, the behemoth, Wal-Mart convinced manufacturers to redesign the packaged consumer goods such as such as DVDs, video games, and compact fluorescent

[Source: http://www.whittierdailynews.com/ci_15140102]

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10
May

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs Vs. LEDs
Compact fluorescent bulbs and the LED ( light emitting diode technology) share several illuminating commonalities. However, a recent report by the United State Department of Energy, evaluating the potential energy conservation with the LED threatens the very existence of the compact fluorescent light bulb.

The data and findings indicate that with widespread use over the next 20-years, the savings would account for more than $100 billion in energy costs, reducing the need to build two dozen more 24 new large power plants.

Compact fluorescent bulb compares the differences between an LED and CFL. Here are the facts:
- LEDs tend to be more durable and damage resistant than the compact fluorescent bulb
- Compact fluorescent light bulbs lack the directional light functionality that the LED provides. As LEDs are exceptional for emitting directional light, it tends to offer more flexibility and multiple uses inside and outside of the home:
- Both the LED and CFL suffer from heat sensitivity. Excessive heat is detrimental, ultimately decreasing their life span
- Unlike many CFLs which are not compatible with enclosed light fixtures, the LED has features, which lighting experts consider to be quite cost-efficient.
- LEDs do not emit the type of heat that a compact fluorescent light bulb does.
- While, frequent shutting on and off shortens the overall lifespan of the CFL, LEDs do not share the same performance issues. In fact, LEDs perform well with constant on and off cycling.
- The technologies for compact fluorescent light bulb and the LEDs are forever being improved
- LEDs performance is diminished by certain light fixtures’ electronics and driver.
For now and fortunately for the CFL, the LED happens to be a costlier replacement cost than the compact fluorescent light bulb.
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Page 1 of 312 3 »

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFLs): Eco-Feat or Eco Failure?

CFLs VS. LEDs

CFLs Usage Rules

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs the Ultimate Earth Day Sacrifice

How to Select Compact Fluorescent Lights Bulbs

Watts to Know about Compact Fluorescent Bulbs Wattage

Energy Star Compact Fluorescent Bulbs IQ

What Works with Compact Fluorescent Bulbs Dimmer and Other Lamps?

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs Make Global Headlines

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs Vs. LEDs

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