Do CFLs Save Money on Consumer's Energy Bills?
Economics of Compact Fluorescent Lights Compared to Incandescents
Jun 1, 2009
When it comes to saving energy or saving money spent on energy, the first step should always be conservation. Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) have become more efficient, affordable and, perhaps most importantly, visually appealing in recent years.
The correct CFL has light characteristics similar to the incandescent it replaces. The main difference to note is a short "warm-up" time before the full power of the light is available. Some consumers find this a desirable characteristic, allowing vision extra time to adjust to lighting. CFLs do not immediately overload vision with their brightness, especially when turning lights on in the middle of the night.
Perceived Economic and Environmental Obstacles to CFL Light Bulbs
Many consumers note the price of CFLs can be anywhere from 6-10 times more than a similar incandescent bulb. The following analysis shows that electricity savings offered by CFLs can pay for the larger up-front cost in as little as 4-5 months.
Consumers also have environmental and health concerns relating to mercury contained in CFLs. It is important to become educating before using CFLs, due to the small amount of mercury they contain. According to the Energy Star web site, care should be taken when cleaning up broken CFLs. Proper techniques are discussed in detail on the site.
The overall amount of mercury released into the environment is reduced by using CFLs. Because they use so much less electricity, Energy Star notes an equivalent reduction in mercury emissions at power plants. This reduction is greater than mercury released from breakage or recycling of bulbs.
Electricity and Dollar Savings From CFL Bulbs
According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), which is the official keeper of energy statistics for the US government, 9 percent of residential electricity is used for lighting. The EIA lists a range of monthly costs across the US from $58-158 for residential electricity. The US average monthly electricity cost is roughly $100.
To make the math easy to understand, the $100 average is used to figure savings. Nine percent of $100 is $9. Over the course of a year, the average American household spends $108 on electricity. Since CFLs use only 25 percent of the electricity of comparable incandescent bulbs, the average American household can realize $81 in savings per year!
Of course, this is an average. Depending on local utility rates, as well as average time lights are on, this estimate can vary. The $81 savings, however, can pay for most households to replace incandescents with CFLs. A general guideline to achieve electricity savings which pays for the greater price of CFLs, is to replace bulbs used for 30 minutes or more each day.
Tips for Using CFL Light Bulbs
Before purchasing CFLs for every light, consumers should try different types. Like incandescents, CFLs emit different light quality that can be soft or very bright and slightly harsh. By sampling a couple different bulbs, consumers can be sure to match the correct bulb with lighting requirements.
Most CFLs last 8-10 times longer than their incandescent counterparts. So, after the bulb pays for itself (in as little as 4-5 months), consumers realize a "cash-in-pocket" savings for the life of the bulb. Multiply the life of the bulbs by $81 savings, and, after 5 years, $405 can be saved.
CFL packaging often claims bulbs will last up to 7 years. To qualify for the Energy Star rating, they must be warrantied for at least 2 years. It is a good habit to save receipts from CFLs. If the bulb fails early, contact the customer service department listed on the base of the bulb.
As with anything, it is important to follow safety procedures when using CFLs. Buy only Energy Star bulbs which are required to last at least 2 years and save receipts. These simple steps can save between $43-118 over the course of a year.
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