That’s an easy one: Compact fluorescent light bulbs, the twisty ones that last up to five years, use about two-thirds less energy than incandescents. That energy savings translates into lower energy bills.
Utility companies figure you can save $30 over the lifetime of each CFL that you use in place of a traditional incandescent bulb. CFLs last for 6,000 or more hours before they burn out.
A bonus: A CFL doesn’t put off much heat when it burns, unlike the incandescent light bulbs you’re probably using now. The result: The CFL doesn’t add heat to the air in a room that you’re trying to cool off when it’s hot outside. Less added heat means your air conditioner doesn’t have to work so hard. That can save you even more.
You tried them a long time ago and you didn’t like the color or the delay when you flipped the light switch? It’s time to try them again. The light and performance of the latest CFLs is much closer to what you’re used to.
It’s true that CFLs cost more than incandescents. But you’ll more than make up the difference by paying lower electric bills.###
