I read recently that the York Electric Co-op, along with other SC state co-ops, will be sending ALL of their members two free Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs in the next few weeks. Considering that there are over 1.2 million people serviced by electric co-ops in SC, that is quite an undertaking!
Personally, I have purchased and used a few of these funny looking bulbs, which resemble a twisted coil. I've used them in a few lamps, mainly, because they look a little strange. I wouldn't use them where the bulbs were exposed, such as on a ceiling fan or in a recessed can light, because I just didn't like the way they appeared.
Thanks to the York Co-op's campaign, however, I have, shall we say, been enlightened! Turns out there are all kinds of options, including CFL's designed for ceiling fans, recessed can's, track lighting, and even outdoor flood lights! Check out the picture to the left, which came from the April 2008 issue of "Living in South Carolina" (official publication of SC electric co-ops.)
I also learned that these CFL's use 75% less energy than ordinary light bulbs, last 6-10 times longer, and result in a whopping $30 savings PER BULB over its lifetime. That can add up to big bucks! Also, a CFL doesn't generate heat, which will improve your air conditioning costs in the summer, and keep you cooler when working under the light.
As far as the electric company is concerned, as members reduce energy use, the power company can reduce costs, which makes everybody happy.
Once I found out about the options available in CFL's, I checked out the light bulb display at Lowe's and purchased several of the indoor flood lights for the recessed can's in my kitchen. It is recommended, as you make the switch, to choose those lights used most often: kitchen, family rooms, porch, etc. If your light fixture has a dimmer switch or 3-way, you need to make sure the CFL is labeled as appropriate for dimmers and 3-ways.
Other precautions: There is a small amount of mecury in the bulbs. If one should break, you need to open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes or so. Use sticky tape (duct tape: the cure for all things) to pick up fragments. Place residue in a sealable plastic bag.
Motor vibrations in ceiling fans and garage door openers can shorten the life of a CFL, but it is perfectly safe and advisable to use them in these devices. Most CFL's are NOT designed to work in touch lamps and remote control lights.
And finally, you'll notice that a CFL takes a few moments to reach its "full brightness" once you turn it on. I was momentarily disappointed after I replaced the lights in my kitchen, as it didn't seem as bright as I was accustomed. But by the time I had set the coffee maker to "go", those little bulbs had cranked up and I was ready to enjoy the morning paper.
So, if you're lucky enough to be a recipient of the free bulbs from the SC co-ops, I encourage you to give them a try. And if not, take a field trip to Lowes or Home Depot and look for the bulbs that will best fit your decor! You (and the environment) will be glad that you did!
For more home tips, check out my website, The Lake Wylie Man, your source for Real Estate in Charlotte and York County, information about our Lake Wylie community, and more!
