Frugal Tip: Use Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs
About a year or so ago I picked up a package of compact fluorescent light bulbs from Costco and replaced all my regular incandescent bulbs in the house. I estimated that the money I saved using compact fluorescent light bulbs was approximately $15.21 a year, given electricity costing $0.0676215 per KwH (electricity has since doubled in price because Maryland price caps were lifted). This was a conservative estimate because CFLs are supposed to last much longer and be more durable than incandescent bulbs, so you have a much less frequent replacement cycle.
There are negatives to CFLs, most notably the fact that the bulbs contain mercury, a heavy metal that you should avoid coming in contact with. That means if you break a bulb, walk away and let it settle from the air so you don’t breathe it in, and then pick it up with tape instead of a vacuum (so you don’t stir it up). If a bulb burns out (I have yet to have one burn out), you need to bring it to a recycling center so it can be disposed of properly. Lastly, another negative is the cost. CFL bulbs are often more expensive than incandescents but depending on how expensive electricity is in your area, you could easy save that amount within the first year.
October 25th, 2007 09:51
I’m all for the energy and environment saving aspects of CFL bulbs but I have to admit I have great concern over the mercury in them. I have two children and I don’t want them exposed, even remotely, to mercury. How easy is it to drop them or have them break while I’m waiting to drive out to Ikea to dispose of them? Sanitation departments need to come up with a safe and easy way of disposing the bulbs before I am fully confident in their use. Again, I’d love to jump on board and use them but I need a safe plan for disposal.
November 5th, 2007 19:02
That’s an excellent point about the mercury, but I’d argue that you should be careful about the bulbs, CFL or incandescent, with your children regardless of the mercury. I wish sanitation departments did have an easy way but I think that’ll happen when there are more CFL’s out there.