A Closer Look At CFLs, Part 2: Every Rose Has Its Thorn
Posted on August 24, 2007 by Melissa
Filed Under A Closer Look, Frugality
Last time we discussed great reasons to make the switch from incandescent bulbs to CFLs, but what about some of the complaints associated with CFLs? Nothing’s perfect, right? Here are some common concerns that might hold you back from trying CFLs along with ways to alleviate them.
CFLs cost more to buy than incandescent bulbs. Even though the initial outlay is higher than incandescent bulbs you will save cash money (not just pennies) in the long run due to lower electricity and replacement costs. Think long term. Let’s crunch some numbers.
At Amazon, a 4 pack of GE Soft White 60 watt bulbs costs $4.30 – or $1.08 a bulb.
At Walmart, a 6 pack of GE 13 watt CFLs costs $9.88 - or $1.65 a bulb.
Savings in purchase price to go with the Soft White bulb = $0.57
It might look like the Soft White bulb is a better deal because it is $0.57 cheaper but consider the life of the bulbs. That Soft White is rated for 1000 hours while the CFL is rated for 8000 hours. You would need 8 incandescent bulbs to match the longevity of just 1 CFL. And that’s not even looking at the cost of electricity to run them.
The following chart uses an average Kilowatt price per hour of $0.09:
| Total Cost (for 8000 hours) | ||
|---|---|---|
| CFL (13 watt) | Incandescent (60 watt) | |
| Initial Cost | $1.65 | $1.08 |
| Energy Cost | $9.36 | $43.20 |
| Replacement Cost | $0 | $7.56 |
| TOTAL COST | $11.01 | $51.84 |
Just look at the long term savings you could realize by just spending only $0.57 more per bulb in up front costs. Wow. The CFL is the clear winner for forward-thinking frugal folks.
There are ways to make the switch all over your home without blowing your budget. To lessen the impact of the higher upfront cost we first focused on changing out the bulbs we used most often. For example, we started in the master bedroom and the living room. As we built up our supply, we expanded to other areas that were less used. Even adding just a few CFLs each month will put you on the right track and help make a difference in your bills.
CFLs aren’t as attractive in some fixtures. CFLs now come in a variety of shapes and sizes for many applications. If you hate the look of the standard spiral, manufacturers now make CFLs with a round cover to make them look more like standard incandescent bulbs. If you aren’t too keen in having the swirly style CFL in your beautiful dining room chandelier you now have a choice in decorative/vanity shapes, including the flame shaped style. They also make small round and globe shapes for bare bulb uses.
The light from a CFL looks “different”. While it’s true that CFLs don’t produce the same wide color spectrum as incandescent bulbs that doesn’t mean you won’t ever find a shade you like. Personally, I have no problem with the color but I have a good friend who is reluctant to give up the familiar glow of her soft white bulb. Many people associate fluorescent lighting with the lights that buzz overhead in office buildings. Unlike some of their larger relatives or even earlier predecessors, the newer CFLs give off a light that is pleasant and warm, much like “soft white” incandescent lighting. If you prefer a cooler light, or “daylight” style, CFLs come in those varieties as well.
If you still aren’t happy with the CFLs you have seen consider giving the globe covered CFLs a try. The globe covers made to mimic the look of incandescent bulbs on some CFLs can act as light diffusers, helping to further enhance that lovely “soft white” glow. Philips, in particular, produces these types of CFLs. Don’t give up on CFLs if you don’t find the shade you like immediately. Try different brands and styles. Also, be sure to read Part 3 tomorrow that discusses how to tell which CFLs will give what shade of light.
The light doesn’t come on immediately. This is a common complaint. CFLs don’t come up to the full light instantaneously like incandescent bulbs. I have found this is more of a problem with cheaper or older CFLs than it is with newer, high quality bulbs. In my experience, the delay is only slight, maybe a second or so. Although the light turns on quickly, it can take a few minutes for the bulb to reach the right temperature to achieve the full cost saving benefits. If it really bothers you or you experience more delay than I have seen you can always consider not using CFLs in areas where immediate lighting is more critical (e.g.: a dark stairway.)
CFLs contain mercury, a toxic metal. Yes they do, but it is only a tiny amount. On average they contain about 5 mg. By comparison, CFLs contain about 1/100th the mercury of that in many older thermometers. CFLs do not release mercury if they are intact. However, they are made of glass and can be broken. No need to panic. The mercury exposure to you or your family from a broken CFL is not likely to harm you. Even so, it is always wise to take precautions and treat it as a hazardous waste. Just follow the steps as described by Energy Star in the link below:
The latest release (August 2007) on the Mercury and CFLs from Energy Star
Some people aren’t so much worried about mercury exposure for themselves as they are with the potential exposure to the environment. To reduce the possibility for environmental impact the best way to dispose of CFLs is by recycling them or by taking them your local household hazardous waste collection site. Although the average amount of mercury used is expected to drop by the end of 2007, it looks like there will always be some level of mercury involved. Many people believe that the overall benefit in lowering energy consumption actually makes up for the amount of mercury that could wind up in landfills.
Here is an interesting quote to consider courtesy of lighterfootstep.com:
As a point of interest, CFLs can actually reduce the amount of mercury released each year into the environment. Half of the power in the United States is generated by coal-fired plants. Burning coal releases mercury into the atmosphere — about 10 milligrams over the life of an average incandescent bulb. Because of its superior efficiency, a CFL will only be responsible for about 2.5 milligrams. Even if you add the 4 milligrams contained in the typical CFL (which is fully recoverable by recycling), a CFL is actually responsible for putting less mercury into the wild than its incandescent equivalent
We need to be responsible and take precautions when disposing of CFLs. Try to find a recycling center near you even if your state allows you to throw them out with the garbage. There aren’t many convenient recycling choices for CFLs in my area but I bet that CFL recycling options will improve as more and more people adopt the technology.
Figuring out what CFL you need for your fixtures can be confusing. It doesn’t have to be as long as you know what to look for. We will pick up on this topic tomorrow.
A Closer Look at CFLs Series Index
Part 1: Conscientiously Frugal Lighting
Part 2: Every Rose has its Thorn
Part 3: Lumens and Kelvins and Watts, Oh My!
Part 4: Take it to the Limit
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It is amazing to learn how regular bulbs waste so much energy. You can save so much money and energy by switching over.
I have had six (6) CFL’s fail in the past six months in either fixed receptacles or lamps. All had far less than 500 hours with some having only a few hours. I am less than impressed with CFL’s.