How much money will changing my light bulbs save me?

ARTICLE Krista Ferguson

Studies have all come to the same inescapable conclusion: energy efficient light bulbs definitely use less power and on average, last six times longer than regular incandescent bulbs. It’s all in the way they operate.
A regular light bulb wastes 90-95 percent of its power input generating heat, while utilizing a mere 5-10 percent to generate light. In contrast, a compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) uses 25 percent of its power input to generate light – which is very appropriate when you consider the purpose of a light!
The Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority (EECA) reports that – even when taking into account the higher purchase price – just one energy efficient light bulb will save around $14 in its first year.
This may seem small, but if you consider replacing 20 light bulbs with efficient CFLs, it would add up to $300 in savings in the first year alone. Energy efficient bulbs certainly live up to their name, while also bringing your power bill down.
Long term is where the cost savings really make a difference. Quality CFL light bulbs have a minimum rated lifespan of 6,000 hours, which equates to around five and half years.
EECA predicts a saving of $111 from each CFL bulb, but this could be even more as many energy efficient bulbs have life spans rated up to 15,000 hours. Multiply $111 by the 20 light bulbs you could replace in your home this year and you’ll find yourself dreaming of lots of imaginative ways to spend that extra cash!
There’s also a connection between lighting and saving money on heating. Installing pendant lighting and getting creative with wall-mounted lights during a renovation are great ways to enhance the look and feel of a space. But this type of lighting also allows for a complete layer of ceiling insulation (down lights for example, break the insulation layer), ultimately saving you a lot in heating bills.

This article featured in issue 002 of Renovate Magazine. Renovate Magazine is an easy to use resource providing fresh inspiration and motivation at every turn of the page.

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