The average household in the United States spends more than $2,000 per year on energy. While up to half of the energy used goes toward heating and cooling, other home features, such as water heaters, appliances and lighting, contribute to energy bills. Swapping traditional light bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) is one of the easiest ways to start saving energy at home and at work, especially during fall and winter, when fewer daylight hours and cooler temperatures keep people inside.
Viewer Tip: Look for light bulbs that have earned the Energy Star, which means they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines from
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. Consider these facts and figures:
- An average Energy Star qualified light bulb uses 75 percent less energy than a standard bulb and lasts about six times longer.
- Energy Star CFLs emit less heat than traditional light bulbs.
- Swapping one traditional bulb for an Energy Star bulb can save 40 dollars or more over the lifetime of the bulb. Swap five and save more than $200!
Get tips for purchasing CFL light bulbs — including choosing light intensity, color and size — at www.energystar.gov/ia/products/fap/purchasing_checklist_revised.pdf.
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(Sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration. Residential Energy Consumption Survey 2009: Consumption and Expenditures; Energy Star. “Save Energy at Home: Lighting.” and “CFLs: Savings.”)