The basis of our economy depends on the act of burning various forms
of fossil carbon fuel to produce energy. An unfortunate side effect
of burning such fuels is the release of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse
gas which traps radiant energy from the sun in the form of heat, elevating
global temperatures. Using Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) is something
we can all do to help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released
to the atmosphere and save money, too.
Energy produced for lighting accounts for about 20% of a home’s
energy bill, according to Orange & Rockland Utilities. The
average home contains approximately 30 light fixtures. Many light
bulbs in service today are incandescents, the lamp type invented by
Thomas Edison. These bulbs convert most of their energy to heat
rather than light, so a more efficient technology is needed in order
to save energy (and money).
New-technology CFL’s use about 75% less energy to produce
the light equivalent to their incandescent counterparts. That
means less fuel has to be burned to make energy for these more efficient
lamps, thus saving energy. According to New York State Energy
Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), if all households in
New York State switched at least one incandescent to a CFL, nearly
545 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions could be prevented,
which could lower our statewide electric bill by $74 million annually!
CFL’s are not perfect for every lighting application, but for
standard-type lights left on the most, such as porch, living room,
kitchen and bath lights – a gradual bulb replacement strategy
is a great way to improve home energy efficiency. CFL’s
are available at most hardware stores and home improvement centers
in sizes designed to replace old fashioned 60, 75 and 100 watt Edison
bulbs, plus many other shapes and styles.
The EPA certifies energy efficient lighting and appliance technology
under its Energy Star® program. Check out www.energystar.gov for
more information. If you do not have Internet access or a computer,
most local libraries provide free Internet service – just ask
a librarian for help. Replacing incandescent bulbs with CFL’s
alone may not save the planet, but it certainly is a step in the right
direction. Act now!
 Bill
Cutler
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