The Burning Question: Light Bulb On or Off
Shortly after the advent of the light bulb came the ever familiar call of the parent, “turn off that light!” But with 5 different kinds of light bulbs on the market the burning question is, “to turn off, or not to turn off?”
This article will give you quick and simple information on the current bulbs in the market and what to tell your kids about turning off the lights.
Incandescent Bulbs. Turn it OFF!
Your traditional bulb burns brightly but wastes a lot of energy – 85 to 90% of the energy is given off as heat, not light. So not only are you wasting energy, you are creating heat. If the majority of your house still has incandescent lights you need to know two things 1) turn them off, and 2) these bulbs are being phased out because they will not meet the new energy efficiency standards being put into place 2010 – 2014 (see the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 EISA).
Fluorescent Bulbs. Turn it OFF, unless…
While they are 4 to 6 times more efficient than incandescent bulbs, fluorescent bulbs life span is shortened by frequently turning it on and off. If you are in a high traffic area or going in and out of the room, I would say leave the light on. Otherwise turn it off. NOTE: all fluorescent bulbs have some amount of mercury so please dispose of properly. (see Green Energy Efficient Homes online for more on light bulb efficiency)
Halogen Bulbs. Turn it OFF!
Halogen bulbs are 25% more efficient than incandescent bulbs. They are a brighter and more efficient bulb that is typically used when intense light is needed (as in photography, spotlights on stage, or reading lamps).
CFLs. Turn it OFF, unless…
CFL’s or compact fluorescent bulbs are 75% more efficient than incandescent bulbs, don’t emit large amounts of heat, last 10 times longer, now have good lighting quality, and are inexpensive. CFL’s do start out dim, so if you are going in and out of a room it does make sense to keep this light on. But leaving it on for hours is not more efficient. A good rule of thumb is the 15 minute rule: if you are coming back in 15 minutes leave it on. NOTE: buy name brand CFLs with a 5+ year warranty as cheap CFLs will burn out faster. And dispose of properly, as these bulbs contain trace amounts of mercury.
LEDs. Turn it OFF!
Light Emitting Diode bulbs or LEDs last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs and don’t emit heat. There’s no extra wear and tear from turning on and off these lights. NOTE: LEDs are still evolving and are expensive. But as competition grows LEDs costs will come down. Stay tuned.