CFLs

(Compact Fluorescent Lights)

The origin of CFLs dates back to the 1890s, although the contemporary technology was patented in 1941 by a combination of efforts by General Electric and a gentleman named George Inman. This fluorescent recipe was further developed into modern CFL products in the early 1970s by a G.E. engineer.

Interestingly, while the advanced technology worked well, G.E. decided the cost to construct new manufacturing facilities was unacceptable – people weren't responding to the "going green" philosophy at that time. They tubed (no pun intended) the whole project.

Since industrial secrets seldom stay hidden for long, the design became available and other manufacturers decided to produce these energy saving bulbs. Adopted by householders as a longer-lasting, energy efficient alternative to the traditional incandescent lightbulb, compact fluorescents lights consume one-third of the power and last 1,000 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

The two major parts of a compact fluorescent light are identical to those found in classic fluorescent tubes: A gas-filled tube (in this case a circular spiral) and a magnetic (or electronic) ballast are necessary components.

Lights made to replace incandescent bulbs also include the historically-named "Edison screw", the brass threaded light bulb part that you twist into incandescent light fixtures. These are commonly called "integrated compact fluorescent lights."

CFL: Pros

Very long life.

A lifespan of 6,000 to 15,000 hours is common for compact fluorescent bulbs. Compared to the typical 750 to 1,000 hours of most incandescent bulbs, this is a strong advantage for compact fluorescents.

High energy efficiency coefficient.

Compact fluorescent bulbs normally consume only one-fifth to one-third of the power of similar wattage incandescent bulbs.

CFL: Cons

Cost.

Compact fluorescent bulbs are declining in price, but are still more expensive than incandescent bulbs. The long life of compact fluorescent light bulbs will pay you back, but you'll have to invest around three to ten times more at the beginning.

Startup delay.

Incandescent bulbs give you light immediately upon supplying electricity. CFL light bulbs take a short while to get up to speed. If it's cold, they'll take a bit longer as the gas heats up.

CFLs contain small levels of mercury. This fact concerns both landfills and waste incinerators as released mercury contributes to water and air pollution. A few discarded CFLs pose little problem, but large volumes of bulbs could have a measurable effect.

Currently, CFLs are not dimmable. However, recent research indicates that this problem will be overcome shortly.

Incandescent bulbs: Pros

Low cost.

You can purchase incandescent bulbs of all sizes and colors for little money.

Reliability.

Turn on the electricity and you have light. You'll have light until the filament finally breaks, usually from 750 to 1,000 hours.

Incandescent bulbs: Cons

Not energy efficient.

Incandescent light bulbs generate heat, using more energy than otherwise necessary to provide the light you need. In fact, of the energy used to light an incandescent bulb, 90% is used to produce heat and only 10% delivers the light. Except for a few children's toys, light bulbs are not designed to be used for heat.

Will be phased out by government order.

The excessive energy usage, as compared to compact fluorescent light bulbs and LED (light emitting diode) bulbs, has already led to some countries scheduling bans on the sales of incandescent bulbs in coming years.

Some newer technologies expect to reach four times the efficiency of current incandescent light bulbs. Other research is also promising. Even the U.S. Department of Energy is developing a product that may increase incandescent bulb energy efficiency by up to 60%.

Until these products are in mass production, you should consider replacing some or all of your incandescent bulbs with CFLs to save money and precious energy. The energy savings enjoyed by using compact fluorescent bulbs appears to be incontrovertible and easily measurable.

Saving money also appears to be almost guaranteed. Depending on the number of light fixtures and wattage, estimates of savings over the long lifespan of CFLs – often up to five years – can range from $500 to $1,500!

LEDs and halogen bulbs are also more energy efficient than classic incandescent light bulbs, but don't reach the efficiency of CFL bulbs.

Skeptical? Try a few compact fluorescents in your home and enjoy the light. If it measures up to your incandescent bulbs, change other fixtures to CFLs and enjoy energy and money savings.

Long touted as an energy-saving alternative for home lighting, compact fluorescent lightbulbs now have the potential to be even more efficient, as well as dimmable, thanks to research at Queen’s University.

Contact me if you have questions about compact fluorescent lights by clicking here.

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