Thomas Edison changed the world by inventing the incandescent light bulb in 1879. Now, it is time to change the world again by another revolutionary invention. Although Edison’s light bulb invention was great then, in today’s energy efficient world it has become impractical. Ninety percent of the energy used by the Edison bulb is given off as heat.
Compared to the traditional incandescent, energy-efficient light bulbs such as halogen incandescents, Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs), and Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), have the following advantages:
- Typical use about 25%80% less energy than traditional incandescent, saving you money.
- Can last 325 times longer than Edison bulb.
There is no doubt that switching to energy–efficient light bulbs will save you money and save the world energy, but hereunder are some concerns you may have regarding the switch:
1- The energy-saving replacements are too expensive
It is true that CFLs are often several times as expensive as old-style incandescent bulbs and LEDs—though their prices have been dropping—remain more than 10 times as expensive. However, sticking with old bulbs actually would cost consumers far more money over the long run. As CFLs use far less electricity and last longer, someone who switches will save a lot of money on their electric bill over the bulb’s 610 year lifespan.
2- CFL bulbs are dangerous because of their mercury content
Some people are concerned about CFL bulbs containing hazardous mercury, and about being exposed to it if the bulbs broke. However, research indicates that while CFL bulbs do require more careful handling and disposal, the hazard may be blown out of proportion. CFLs typically contain 35 milligrams of mercury, about one-hundredth of the mercury content of the older thermostats that may still be found in some homes. Researchers also have found that only a tiny fraction of that is actually released when bulbs break.
For example, in a study published in 2011 in the Environmental Engineering Science journal, Jackson State University researchers, Yadong Li and Li Jin, reported that even if left unattended for 24 hours, a broken bulb will release 0.040.7 mg of mercury. Researchers found that it would take weeks for the amount of mercury vapor in the room to reach levels that would be hazardous to a child. That can be avoided by a simple quick clean up.
3- Energy saving bulbs either cannot be used with dimmer switches, or do not work efficiently with them
The regular CFL bulbs are sold in stores, but most of the LED bulbs on the market today are, in fact, dimmable.
4- CFLs will not light up, or are too dim, in cold temperatures
While this is legitimate criticism of CFL, which have a hard time starting up in extremely cold climates, particularly outdoors; LED lights do not have that same problem.
With the increasing rate of pollution nowadays, we need all the help to reduce this worldwide threat. Switching to these energy saving bulbs will save our money, energy and our Earth.
References
energyblog.nationalgeographic.com
energy.gov
energy.gov