Keeping a home in good working order is time consuming and costly. When a light bulb burns out is it better to purchase a compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) or incandescent light bulb?
Incandescent Bulbs
Incandescent bulbs were a primary lighting source for all facets of living. It lights up homes, roads, factories, hospitals, and much more. Its versatility, low costs, and availability made it a high demand product. However, the bulb wastes much of its energy generating heat and not producing light. The initial costs are low but the long term costs are high as energy bills soar with the increasing costs of electrical use. Incandescent bulbs are slowly being replaced with more energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulb.
Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs
CFL's are energy efficient as they produce much less heat as the incandescent bulb. Upfront costs are more expensive but they last significantly longer. Versatility of the bulb is not as great as the incandescent bulb but energy saving costs are substantial. CFL bulb only needs approximately 10-15 watts of power to produce the same light output as a 40 watt bulb of a incandescent light.
However, much care needs to taken with the CFL as it contains mercury, a highly toxic element. Another slight disadvantage is the second wait time for the light to turn on. However, overall it is a superior product as it produces less energy waste and landfill waste.
Recycling LIght Bulbs
Incandescent light bulbs cannot be recycled rather they can be reduced and reused. Reduced by switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs which have a higher energy life. As well, reduce by turning off lights when not in use. Reuse by making ornaments out of them. Give all old light bulbs to a school or community program for children to make ornaments or decorations.
Compact Fluorescent lights can only be recycled and reduced. Reduce by turning off lights when not in use. Recycle but disposing of them at a hazardous waste facility. Most garbage facilities accept hazardous waste for free or a nominal fee. Do not dispose of them in the trash as they contain small amounts of mercury, a toxic element to humans and wildlife. Some companies such as Ikea and some Home Depot's have a recycling centre. Ikea's centre is accessible to paying or non paying customers. Simply bring in the light bulbs and dispose of them in the containers displayed in the main entrance area.
When budgets are tight and a dollar or two makes a difference, it is still better to buy a compact fluorescent light. Energy costs are intangible as consumers cannot pick up energy and decide if they want to make the purchase or not. When deciding on buying incandescent or a CFL, calculate the cost of using the product in the house. Incandescent are much more expensive long term.
Debbie DeSpirt - Debbie DeSpirt is an Elementary Teacher for the York Catholic District School Board in Ontario, Canada. Her post secondary education ...
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