Compact Fluorescent Bulbs Save Energy, Money Over Long Term

Q. I would like to change the light bulb in my table lamp to a new “energy-saving” bulb I have been hearing about. Is it easy to make the change? Are these bulbs smart economically?

A. The new bulb you’re asking about is a compact fluorescent, which uses 75 percent less energy than a standard incandescent bulb while providing equivalent light output.

One compact fluorescent has a lamp life of 9,000-12,000 hours, which is roughly equal to 13 incandescent bulbs. The prolonged life of a compact fluorescent greatly diminishes the nagging task of constantly changing burned-out incandescents.

For the most part, switching over to a compact fluorescent is as simple as changing your light bulb; unscrew the old and screw in the new. Although not all compact fluorescents fit all lamps, adjusting most lamps is simple.

Before purchasing your new bulb take a good look at your table lamp. You may need to raise the shade, or replace the metal harp (the wiring that supports the shade) with a longer harp. Some compact fluorescent bulbs may be slightly longer than the harp. Take the harp, or accurate measurements of it, to the lighting store or home improvement store.

The dimensions of your lamp coupled with the height of the compact fluorescent, may warrant adjusting the harp. Installing harp extenders or replacing the harp is relatively easy. Unplug the lamp. Unscrew and remove the incandescent bulb. Gently squeeze the lower prongs of the harp together and raise the harp out of the supporting brackets. To install a taller harp reverse these steps.

Harp extenders, available at lighting stores, are another option. Install the extenders into the harp’s supporting brackets (the bottom part of the harp that remains attached after detaching the harp) and put the harp back on.

The wattage of compact florescent roughly equals one quarter the wattage of an incandescent. For example, a 75-watt incandescent equals an 18-watt compact fluorescent. Wattage comparisons are labeled on the package. Always read the information on the bulb’s packaging and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

While compact fluorescent bulbs initially cost more than incandescent bulbs, their longer life and lower energy use will save you money over time - and lessen demand for energy.

To request an illustrated guide and brochure on compact fluroescents, contact the Energy Hotline at (800) 962-9731 or 324-7980 in Spokane.

Jason DeLeon assisted with the writing of this column.

xxxx