Time to buy a light bulb is as easy as buying a carton of milk is approaching the end. Beginner 1 January 2012, bulbs must be of general use 30% more efficient than traditional bulbs are. We field questions from customers Progressive Alternative regularly about the environment. Here is a list of common questions.

Q: When it makes sense financially sound ecological light bulbs to consider?

A: Environmentally friendly light bulbs are a smartchoice of lamps and at least three hours a day. It is based on a September 2009 national average residential electricity $ 0.12 per kilowatt hour. In the dozen states in the U.S. (1), where hourly wages above $ 0.15, two hours of daily use is sufficient.

Depending on the type of lamp, you should have enough electricity to save on the cost of a repayment period of two years. And since all forms of eco-friendly light bulbs over traditional SeptemberMany of life left in them to return.

Q: What is an energy saving lamp (CFL)?

A: CFL bulbs use electricity and gas to generate ultraviolet (UV) energy. In exchange for energy excited phosphorus, which hand the inside of the glass, which creates structural lamp. The conversion of phosphorus UV to visible light.

Many CFLs have traditional screw-based and is suitable for energy efficient replacement for the old stylepears.

Q: What are the advantages of CFL bulbs?

* CFL uses less energy and cost less to operate. CFL bulbs electricity consumption about 75% less the same amount of light as an incandescent bulb.

* Less energy used means less pollution. Think about it. Because the reduction of electricity demand, reduce our production and, by extension, the harmful gases that are a byproduct of electricity generation. Until CFL recycled when worn (to regain the smallamount of mercury they contain) with CFL bulbs are a good way for the environment and our wallets to help

* This eco-friendly lamps are designed for a long time … Typically 8,000 to 12,000 hours after the last. Traditional incandescent light bulbs that only 750 to 3,000 hours.

* CFL bulbs are cool. Because they create less heat than a light bulb, CFL can reduce air conditioning costs.

* CFL bulbs are offered in a wide range of warm colors ranging from bright white (like a pearbulb) for very cool white … almost the same day in a day onbewolkte.

D. CFL bulbs disadvantages that should be considered?

A: * Frequent on / off switch, the bulb life in this friendly truncated.

* CFL bulbs can not withstand high temperatures and with them in a game that falls heat reduce their lifespan.

* The light source CFL diminished gradually over time.

* CFL standards should not be used in competitions run by adimmer.

* CFL lamps contain mercury, a toxic substance and must be properly recycled. If a shattering CFL must be thoroughly cleaned.

* CFL bulbs take time to warm up to full production. At normal room temperature. 30-45 seconds on what you can expect that the cooler room itself, the longer it will take.

* CFL bulbs to be used outside in the cold is not so bright.

* Turn-in Dimmable CFL bulbs are available, but the results are worse interpretationincandescent and halogen lamps. They have a low range dimming and flicker and cut to the low side.

Q: What other eco bulbs with CFL bulbs, I think?

A: * High-efficiency halogen lamps are a good choice. Environmentally friendly light bulbs, infrared heat to transform into visible light, the pressure on the market in recent years. Consider what has HEHLs beautiful quality of light and / or better dimming required. In contrast with CFL bulbs, halogen bulbsincreasingly gray.

* Light Emitting Diode (LED) light sources are rapidly developing and shows great promise higher energy efficiency, durability, stretch and light quality.

The CFL bulbs, both of these light sources already meet the mandate of the imminent United States (1/1/2012) for a 30% increase in the consumption of energy for lamps for general use.

Q: environmentally friendly bulbs are a good choice for the blackout game, I had spent myhome?

A: Yes, but first remember that a bulb-out is an effective way to generate electricity costs and reduce carbon waste Emissions Because more onions, more often Latter gray.

Think about how often these games are on. If the fight is for more than three hours a day, environmentally friendly light bulbs are a smart choice.

For maximum energy savings at a reasonable price, Dimmable CFL bulbs a good choice.

High efficiencyhalogen is best if you want a better quality of light and dimming up for more.

Q: When you choose environmentally friendly light bulbs, not as I do of power, so I decided the amount of light that I need?

A: Consumers must buy conventional bulbs for so long that they came to think of Watts as the amount of light from the lamp statements. Lumen in reality "is a measure of light output at source, while W is the amount of electricityconsumed.

The best way to eco-friendly bulbs to choose to start by deciding how many lumens will do the job. And reading the label on the package and select the lamp with this production.

As for traditional incandescent "A" type lamps, 25 watts is about 210 lumens, 40 watt = 500 lumens, 60 watt = 850 lumens, 75 watt = 1200 lumens, 100 watts = 1,700 lumens, and finally 150 watts is about 2800 lumens.

Tip: When a CFL, remember that thelight output will decrease by about 25% during the life of the bulb. Thinking of buying one with a higher initial lumens than necessary to dampen their brilliance (and the eyes of age) to have enough light in your space.

Q: I am uncomfortable with the fact that CFL bulbs contain mercury. There is options for mercury lamps green '?

A: Yes! High efficiency LEDs and halogen lamps are mercury-free.

Q: I heard a lot of LED lights. When usefulconsider?

A: Premium quality LEDs from reliable manufacturers are still expensive. For most consumers LEDs only make sense in light of the financial items at least six to eight hours a day. LEDs might make sense in these situations:

* With built-in kitchens, family rooms or great rooms

* Outside lights on porches or poles or safety lights that are lit from dusk to dawn

* Activity light in home offices and workshops

* Under cabinet lightingkitchens

Q: Should I replace all the bulbs in and around my house with environmentally friendly light bulbs?

A: No, I think is a mistake. Take a locker room light, for example, perhaps again on alternate days for two minutes. The draw of electricity each year is almost nothing. Why spend $ 5 a bulb is the one that works well and costs almost nothing to replace it operate?

Focus on the 3-5 game at least 2-3 hours every day. Collectthis low-hanging fruit – that can save electricity and pollution should be a minimum investment. If the money is still burning a hole in your pocket and you want your eco-conscience to meet with a qualified energy auditor to rent your house to see. You will have a punch list, green investment will be much greater contributions to your savings.

Works Cited

1st AK, CA, CT, HI, NH, NJ, NY, MA, MD, ME, RI and VT