No Brainer Energy Tips – Light Bulbs

Conserving energy has become an ever increasing concern as prices keep climbing.  One of the easiest places we can conserve energy (and save money) is by changing our light bulbs.  No, this will not end our dependency on foreign oil or make us rich, but every watt conserved really adds up if we all pitch in. 

Consider this, a 60 watt incandescent light bulb costs about $1.50 and will last about a year.  A mini fluorescent light bulb uses 14 watts, costs $5 and will last about 7 years.  Even though the initial cost may seem higher for the fluorescent bulb, the savings over the 7 year life is $5.50.  The fluorescent bulb also uses 1/4 of the energy for the same amount of light reducing the cost to operate that bulb. 

While the fluorescent light is on the temperature is about 120 degrees.  Compare that the the incandescent bulb at 320 degrees.  By switching to the fluorescent light, we reduce the amount of heat being released inside our home.  In the summer, we are trying to remove heat from inside the home.  We do this by running the AC which also costs money.

So if we switch our light bulbs from incandescent bulbs to fluorescent bulbs we will save money on the bulb itself, save money in the operation of the bulb over its life time and release less heat into the home that we have to pay to remove by running our AC.

Hmmm, No brainer energy tip.

P.S.  That’s also more time watching football instead of changing light bulbs.