Why Use Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs?
Using compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) is an effective way to reduce energy consumption and prevent greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change. CFLs use up to 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs, last up to ten times longer and can save about $30 or more in electricity costs over each bulb’s lifetime. The use of less electricity, in turn, puts less demand on power plants, thus reducing the amount of greenhouse gases, mercury, and other pollutants released into the air. Each CFL can prevent more than 450 pounds of emissions from a power plant over its operating life. Using CFLs can also help to reduce cooling costs in your home. They emit about 75 percent less heat than traditional bulbs. About 90 percent of the energy emitted by incandescent bulbs is heat, compared with the 30 percent released by CFLs. If every American home replaced just one light bulb with a CFL, we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a y
