|
|
Energy Saving Light Bulbs - 7 Tips to Get More Out of Them
Energy saving light bulbs, especially compact fluorescent lights, or CFLs, can save you significant amounts of energy and money on your monthly utility bills. In this article I am going to cover seven ways that you can get even more out of your energy efficient light bulbs.
1. When you replace burned-out energy saving light bulbs, hold them by the base, not the glass tubing, or the bulb may break in your hands.
2. Don't turn the lights on and off too quickly. You'll maximize the lifetime, electricity savings and lighting efficiency of your CFLs if you keep them on for 15 minutes or more at a time. Therefore, it is best not to use these bulbs in places like closets or garages where you will be switching lights on and off in a short period of time.
3. Only use three-way energy saving CFL bulbs in three-way light sockets.
4. Only use energy saving light bulbs clearly labeled as dimmable in light fixtures that have dimmer switches. Not only will a standard CFL bulb not dim, but it may burn out your switch or cause a fire.
5. Keep in mind that most electronic controls, such as photocells, motion sensors, and electric timers, are not designed to work with CFLs. Check with the manufacturer of the control to ensure proper compatibility.
6. Energy saving light bulbs can be very sensitive to extreme heat and cold. Most indoor CFL bulbs are designed to work in open light fixtures. Using CFLs in enclosed fixtures without proper ventilation creates an over-heated environment that is bad for the electronics inside the bulb, and shortens their overall lifetime.
At the same time, these bulbs take longer to warm up in very cold temperatures, and they won't shine at full brightness for several minutes. The packaging should give you the bulb's optimal operating temperatures.
7. Protect your energy saving light bulbs from the elements outdoors by only using them in enclosed fixtures. You never want to expose CFLs to the wind or rain, unless they are specifically rated for wet locations.
These tips will help you get the most out of your energy saving light bulbs by maximizing your overall savings in energy and money, while maintaining the best quality of light from each or your light fixtures. You can save money and help the environment at the same time with energy saving light bulbs. It should be an easy decision on what you decide to do.
About the Author Paul Counts is an Internet product expert and recommends you consider the Energy Efficient Light Bulb Buyer's Guide so you can get the perfect energy efficient light bulbs to save you more money.
|
 |
Please Rate: |
|
Rating: |
 Processing ... |
(Average: Not rated) |
| Views: | 12 | |
|
| More Articles from Home Improvement | | |
| Top Articles in Home Improvement | | |
|
