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Home : Energy Efficient Products : Lighting : CFLs : ENERGY STAR CFLs v. Other Technology
ENERGY STAR CFLs vs. Other Technology
There are many other lighting technologies that you can use in your home, but CFLs continue to be more practical in terms of their advantages and benefits. ENERGY STAR CFLs v. Incandescent light bulbs
Incandescent light bulbs work by heating a tungsten filament, or wire, until it glows. This is what produces the light you see. Unfortunately, 90% of the energy used to generate that light is wasted as heat, making incandescent bulbs a very inefficient way to light your home. - In comparison, ENERGY STAR CFLs provide a variety of colors and hues and use 75% less energy, produce 75% less heat, and last up to 10 times longer than incandescents.Although the initial purchase price of an ENERGY STAR CFL is greater than an incandescent, it is more cost-effective because it uses less energy, lasts longer and requires less maintenance than an incandescent bulb. ENERGY STAR CFLs pay for themselves in less than one year, which eliminates the incremental cost between an incandescent and ENERGY STAR CFL. ENERGY STAR CFLs vs. Lighting Emitting Diode (LED) Technology
LED light bulbs are available to purchase in most stores, however ENERGY STAR CFLs are a more cost effective alternative. LED light bulbs emit a lot of heat, more than an incandescent, and require a heat sink to operate correctly. Using them in standard applications like fixtures, table lamps, and recessed cans may decrease the products longevity if the proper precautionary technology is not used correctly.
Although there is an ENERGY STAR standard for LED light bulbs, there are far less LED light bulbs in comparison to the thousands of available ENERGY STAR CFLs which can now be found nearly everywhere lighting is sold. LED light bulbs are also more expensive than ENERGY STAR CFLs making retrofitting current applications costly.
LED light bulbs may one day surpass ENERGY STAR CFLs in their popularity, but the technology is still being refined for practical use.
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ENERGY SAVING TIPS
Consider using window fans, particularly in the evening when you can draw cooler air into the house.
Make sure floor & wall vents are not blocked by draperies, furniture, or rugs.
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