 |
 |
|
|
 |
Compact Florescent Light Bulbs have come a long way. The light quality, brightness and the ability to dim are much better than even a few years ago. Not to mention that the energy savings help these bulbs pay for themselves.
By swapping out 98+% of the light bulbs from incandescent to Compact Florescent Light Bulbs in our home over the past few years - we were able to save over 750 kWh per year or about 10% of our total usage. In addition, we are reducing our CO2 output by over 1000 pounds per year. There is a 40 watt reading light that is smaller than any cfl I can find.
The table below diagrams our energy savings. It is important to gather this information if you want a true cost benefit analysis. It did take some time to calulate the amount we use each light bulb they are our best estimates. Winter usage is higher than Summer usage so we averaged it out.
| Total Bulbs Changed |
84 |
|
Savings to Date (lbs of CO2) |
3,809 |
| Percent of Bulbs Changed |
98.8% |
|
Annual Savings (lbs of CO2) |
998 |
| Total Cost of the CFL's |
$369.94 |
|
Annual Savings |
$90.33 |
| Savings To Date |
$344.89 |
|
Watts Saved per Day |
1,906 |
| Return on Investment |
-$25.05 |
|
KW Saved Per Year |
696 |
| Breakeven Point (Days) |
101 |
|
As of |
5/18/2012 |
In addition, we have purchased and gave our friends several CFLs so they can also save too.
| CFLs Given Away to Family & Friends |
|
Savings to Date (lbs of CO2) |
2,201 |
| Total Bulbs Changed |
23 |
|
Annual Savings (lbs of CO2) |
1,737 |
| Total Cost of the CFL's |
$38.70 |
|
Annual Savings |
$159.95 |
| Savings To Date |
$258.67 |
|
Watts Saved per Day |
2,253 |
| Return on Investment |
$219.97 |
|
KW Saved Per Year |
822 |
| Breakeven Point |
Paid For |
|
As of |
5/18/2012 |
*On Going Recommendation:
- Buy CFL's when they are on sale. Home Depot in Maryland has 60 Watt CFL's that use only 13 watts for 25 cents a piece as of 2/1/2012.
- Switch to CFL's when the old bulbs stop working.
- Keep your old working bulbs so when you move you can take the CFL's with you.
- Switch the most used fixtures. You will get a bigger bang for your buck.
- If a CFL is not possible, think dimmable.
*Website Recommendations:
- The caculations as to CO2 saving is courtesy of
http://www.onebillionbulbs.com/
That is "Going Green and Saving Green".
|
|
|
|
|
 |
