Green Behavior » incandescent http://green-behavior.com Going green, one [semi] eco method at a time Mon, 21 May 2012 14:13:41 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 About Compact Fluorescent and Incandescent Bulbs http://green-behavior.com/buzzword-patrol/compact-fluorescent-light-bulbs-safe-incandescent-mercury.htm?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=compact-fluorescent-light-bulbs-safe-incandescent-mercury http://green-behavior.com/buzzword-patrol/compact-fluorescent-light-bulbs-safe-incandescent-mercury.htm#comments Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:59:18 +0000 terriann http://www.green-behavior.com/?p=44

This feed comes from Green Behavior The specific article's link is: About Compact Fluorescent and Incandescent Bulbs

The truth about compact fluorescent lighting. We all know they last longer and use less energy than regular, incandescent light bulbs, but also contain mercury. Do their benefits outweigh their detriment? Here's some facts for you to help decide.

This feed comes from Green Behavior The specific article's link is: About Compact Fluorescent and Incandescent Bulbs

]]> This feed comes from Green Behavior The specific article's link is: About Compact Fluorescent and Incandescent Bulbs

We all know the general idea “compact florescent bulbs may cost more than traditional incandescent bulbs but they will last way longer and use less energy.”

That may be true but let’s get down with the numbers and find out how and how much more efficient compact florescent bulbs are than incandescent. While we’re at it we’ll also what other differences are there between compact florescent bulbs and incandescent bulbs?

When you buy a light bulb we often equate wattage to the amount of light omitted.
That would be wrong! Wattage is the amount of electricity used while lumen is the unit of measurement used when referring to the amount of light flow or luminous flux. Let’s compare lumens to wattage in both incandescent and compact florescent bulbs.

Lumens Incandescent Compact Florescent
>450 40 watts 14 watts
>800 60 watts 15 watts
>1,100 75 watts 20 watts
>1,600 100 watts 28 watts
>2,600 150 watts 40 watts

To achieve the same amount to light (lumens) as a compact florescent bulb an incandescent uses between 3-4 times the amount of electricity. To really drive that idea home let’s chart out the difference between the two kinds of bulbs.

Chart: 6 Hours a Day

Assuming a bulb is run 6 hours a day for calculating daily watt hour usage

Chart: 365 Days a Year

Converting that to kilowatt hour (1 watt hour = 0.001 kilowatt hours) usage over the course of a year assuming those bulbs are on 6 hours a day 365 days a year.

Over the course of a year switching just one 60 watt light bulb that is on 6 hours a day, 365 days a year from incandescent to compact fluorescent would take that bulb’s kilowatt hour usage from 131 kWh to 33 kWh. That’s a savings of 98 kWh which with electric charges at an average of $0.19 / kWh would save almost $20/year per bulb. Using a conversion factor of 0.537[1] that change of one bulb saves 53kgCo2 / year.

Differences in Use

Now that we know more about how the different kinds of bulbs add up electrically and mathematically let’s compare some other details about the bulbs to help you weigh the decision between compact florescent and incandescent bulb usage for your lifestyle.

Compact Florescent Bulbs Incandescent Bulbs
Dimmers Must buy a special compact florescent bulb to work with a dimmer switch, which are on average $13 ea. Can be used in a dimmer without problem
Cost 4 pack of 60W - $8 avg. 4 pack of 60W - $3 avg.
3-Way Lamps Must buy a special compact florescent bulb to work in a 3 way lamp which are on average $11 ea. Must buy a special incandescent bulb to work in a 3 way lamp which are on average $3 ea.
Lifespan 60W equivalent lasts 8000 hours avg. 60W lasts 750-1000 hours avg.
Disposal Must be disposed of properly since it contain mercury in concentrations that exceed the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure’s (TCLP) limit Must be disposed of properly since bulbs contain lead at levels that exceed hazardous waste limits
Recessed lighting They cannot be used in recessed lighting enclosures or enclosed globes Can be used in recessed lighting of globe enclosures

Learn more

Footnotes

  1. Now that we know more about how the different kinds of bulbs add up electrically and mathematically let’s compare some other details about the bulbs to help you weigh the decision between compact florescent and incandescent bulb usage for your lifestyle.

    Compact Florescent Bulbs Incandescent Bulbs
    Dimmers Must buy a special compact florescent bulb to work with a dimmer switch, which are on average $13 ea. Can be used in a dimmer without problem
    Cost 4 pack of 60W - $8 avg. 4 pack of 60W - $3 avg.
    3-Way Lamps Must buy a special compact florescent bulb to work in a 3 way lamp which are on average $11 ea. Must buy a special incandescent bulb to work in a 3 way lamp which are on average $3 ea.
    Lifespan 60W equivalent lasts 8000 hours avg. 60W lasts 750-1000 hours avg.
    Disposal Must be disposed of properly since it contain mercury in concentrations that exceed the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure’s (TCLP) limit Must be disposed of properly since bulbs contain lead at levels that exceed hazardous waste limits
    Recessed lighting They cannot be used in recessed lighting enclosures or enclosed globes Can be used in recessed lighting of globe enclosures

    Learn more

    Footnotes

    1. ^ - Simple Carbon Calculator from the UK National Energy Foundation

    This feed comes from Green Behavior The specific article's link is: About Compact Fluorescent and Incandescent Bulbs

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