Save Energy With Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Learn how you can save energy with compact fluorescent light bulbs. Find out how these bulbs can be used outdoors and how they compare to a incandescent light bulb.

LESLIE: Duane in Kansas is looking for the most energy efficient light bulb. Looking to save some cash, Duane?

DUANE: Yeah, I guess you could say that. Energy efficient. What I have is … on my house, under the eaves of the house – soffit of the house, I guess you could call – I have some lighting; probably eight lights that come on at night.

TOM: Okay.

DUANE: And they don’t need to be very bright; actually, I want them somewhat dim. And, also, something that will last a long time so I don’t have to go up there and replace them, too. And I was wondering what the both energy efficient and also the longest lasting and also a light that really put out … doesn’t need to be that much light needs to be put out, too.

LESLIE: Well, I know for interior uses, they make a compact fluorescent light bulb which looks like a fluorescent tube but it’s all sort of coiled up on itself; it’s kind of interesting looking. But, Tom, can you use those on the exterior as well?

TOM: Sure you can. And what’s neat about them is they only use a quarter of the electricity that an incandescent bulb might use to give you the same amount of light. So, for example, if you’re used to a 60-watt bulb – you say you don’t want them to be super bright – this particular compact fluorescent will only use 15 watts of light.

LESLIE: But it says it … when you look at the packaging, it says 15 watts on it; but it’ll tell you “equal to a 60-watt incandescent light bulb.”

TOM: Right, exactly.

LESLIE: So you know exactly what it is that you’re getting. And these last thousands of hours. They’re saying something like nine years.

TOM: (overlapping) Yeah, a lot longer than … yeah a lot longer than incandescents. They are a little more expensive but I think that’s the answer –

LESLIE: But it’s worth it.

TOM: – to your … to your question, Duane.

DUANE: What’s the lowest wattage ones that they make, do you know?

TOM: Probably somewhere around a 60 watt. Maybe a 40 watt.

LESLIE: They might do a 40.

TOM: Yeah, they might do a 40.

LESLIE: But you can get those at any sort of home improvement center. And they really do last and they do prove to just maintain an energy efficient mode. So you won’t be up on a ladder anytime soon.

DUANE: Okay. Sounds good.

TOM: Alright, Duane?

DUANE: Alright. You have a good day.

TOM: Alright. Thanks so much for calling us at 1-888-MONEY-PIT.