[JimFB400HO]

Early this year we switched several of our light bulbs to the Compact Fluorescent Light
(CFL) type.

I didn’t do it to save the planet or because the government issued an edict. I believe the first is a hoax and the second is socialist. I did it to reduce our electric bill.

I only replaced incandescent bulbs in higher usage areas. They take a while to illuminate so places like closets and bathrooms where the “on” is generally brief and instant illumination is desired, they are not practical. Also, I did not replace several of our bulbs that are in decorative chandeliers or counter-top floods.

What I did change were five outdoor lights, family room lamps, four ceiling fan fixtures, laundry and the master bedroom area lamps. The garage, basement, workshop, and kitchen were already predominantly fluorescent.

Comparing the like-month electric bills from the past five years averaged to this year’s bills, the Feb, Mar and April usage dropped 14.1%, 9.8% and 14.4% respectively. And each 2008 bill usage is lower then any of the past five years. I cannot find any other major change in usage that could skew the study results.

Bottom line, it appears that the bill has dropped about $6-$8 monthly. The cost/savings break even for the 20 bulbs replaced will be about 10-12 months.

[twisted]

for quicker lighting useage area, try a standard tube type flourescent. Like a T5, they mainly use them in kitchens under the wall mounted shelves for counter top lighting.

You can find the fictures at any lowes/ home depot type place.

Just as an example. In my other hobby I keep a reef tank, which is more or less a small piece of the ocean in my home. In it I have some very expensive corals that are photosynthetic and require high lighting conditions.
For the last few years the average hobbyist would be required to run atleast 2 250w metal halide bulbs which means 500 watts right there. On top of it, they tend to add a couple of smaller 40 watt VHO flourescents bulbs for more color.
So a typical set up is now running 580 watts just for lighting.

My lighting set up for my tank is not quite as good, but not only does it support the corals needs, and run cooler then metal halides, but my bulbs last three times as long.
My set up is 6 54watt T5 high output bulbs. so a mere 324 watts.

[Txbobcat]

I am surprised of the savings . I put several in a few months ago hard to see any difference all electric weather conditions etc.

[fyrffytr1]

I kind of like the fact that they take a minute to warm up. When I get up in the morning, go into the bathroom and flip the light on it doesn't blind me. It takes about 15-20 seconds to warm up and my eyes have adjusted by then.
I have a single light over the shower and a 5 light bar over the vanity. I ran 60 watt bulbs in the vanity fixture and could feel the heat from them. Since swapping to fluorescent bulbs there is no heat. You can hold your hand to the bulb. Don't try that with a standard 60 watt. Also, instead of 300 watts, it is now 70 watts and my wife says the lights are brighter than the standard bulbs.
I even use compact 3-ways in my table lamps.