The new energy bill passed by Congress requires compact fluorescent (CFL) light bulbs to replace the more popular incandescent light bulbs. The switch is mandated to begin in 2012 and will phase out the incandescent light bulb completely by 2014. Congress is requiring the switch because CFLs will reduce the energy use at home as well as decrease greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, if every home in the United State replaced one incandescent light bulb with a CFL, it would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes in one year and prevent the emissions of greenhouse gases from 800,000 cars!

The Cost
Now some might be concerned with the cost of these new bulbs. Yes, they are more expensive than conventional light bulbs but can save you in energy cost. I recently checked on prices at the local Wal-Mart and found packages of 3 CFLs to cost between $7 and $10 depending on the wattage you need. The great thing about CFLs are that they used 75% less energy and last 10 times longer than incandescent light bulbs. To get an estimate of the savings to your energy bill, subtract 12% from your current bill. This savings doesn't include the savings from buying many incandescent light bulbs which have to be replaced every few months.

Energy Star CFL Light Bulbs
Energy Star is the government's energy saving program. You can find many ways to reduce energy use and your impact on the environment through this program. Energy Star also endorses CFLs. When you got to the store to buy a CFL, look for the Energy Star logo. This logo means the CFL will save you money and energy use as well as come with a warranty. All Energy Star CFL light bulbs come with a 2 year limited warranty.

Buying and Where to Use CFL Light Bulbs
Because CFL bulbs emit more light, a lower wattage bulb is required. See the chart below. CFL bulbs are like regular fluorescent bulbs that require a warm up time to reach their full potential. That is why it is suggested you replace light bulbs that are on longer than 15 minutes at a time. The best places to use CFL bulbs include living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and outdoors. You will also have to consider light fixtures when replacing light bulbs. CFL bulbs are available in different sizes and colors. They are also available for dimmer switches and recessed lighting. You have to look to make sure you're buying the correct bulb for your fixture.

Not Without Environmental Concern
Like any other fluorescent light bulb, mercury is used to produce the bright light in CFL bulbs. This is a cause for concern but not as hazardous as the media portrays it. The amount of mercury in a CFL is very minute, about the amount that would cover the tip of a ballpoint pen. In comparison, an older thermometer has 100 times the amount of mercury a CFL does. Because CFLs do contain mercury, it is recommended that you recycle them instead of disposing of them with your regular trash. Unfortunately for the Perkins area, there are no recycling centers within 25 miles. There is one located in Oklahoma City but it is only for Oklahoma City residents. Surely as CFLs become more popular and the 2012 switch draws closer, more recycling centers will be available. Another consideration is when a CFL breaks in your home. Do not use a vacuum to clean it up! The Energy Star website lists the proper procedures to clean up a broken CFL. It is also recommended that you use a drop cloth under the light bulb you are replacing in case a CFL breaks, the clean up will be much easier.

If we do our part and little things like replacing light bulbs, we can make certain the environment will be enjoyed for generations to come! Please visit www.energystar.gov for more information.