How Much Can I Save by Switching to Compact Fluorescent Lamps?

While compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are initially more expensive, you should see a quick return on your investment when you replace your most frequently used incandescent light bulbs with CFLS. A 26- or 28-watt compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) can replace a 100-watt incandescent bulb, and it will last about 8,000 hours (compared an incandescent bulb, which usually lasts about 1,000 hours). Purchasing the 26- or 28-watt fluorescent bulb saves over 70 watts worth of energy. On average, each bulb can save more than $30 in electricity costs over its lifetime and prevent more than 450 pounds of greenhouse-gas emissions. Currently, a CFL costs more than a comparable incandescent bulb. However, you save the initial cost of the bulb many times over—and a CFL used an average of four hours a day will probably not need to be changed for at least four or five years. For the biggest energy savings, replace incandescent or halogen bulbs with CFLs in the rooms where you spend the most time such as ...  more