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The 2007-2012 Outlook for Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs in the United States
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June 25, 2010 at 12:12 pm
Fluorite (also called fluorspar) is a halide mineral composed of calcium fluoride, CaF2. It is an isometric mineral with a cubic habit, though octahedral and more complex isometric forms are not uncommon. Crystal twinning is common and adds complexity to the observed crystal habits.
The word fluorite is derived from the Latin root fluo, meaning “to flow” because the mineral has a relatively low melting point and was used as an important flux in smelting. Fluorite gave its name to the phenomenon of fluorescence, which is prominent in fluorites from certain locations, due to certain impurities in the crystal. Fluorite also gave the name to its constitutive element fluorine.
July 6, 2010 at 10:27 am
Have you considered Fluorescent lighting for your home?
by: Mike Yeager
i
Many of us know that fluorescent lighting is common in work areas and schools. It is the long tubes that run in ceilings, right? Fluorescent lighting is more then just that. In fact it is one of the most energy efficient types of lighting on the market today.
In the world we live in, fluorescent lights come in many different shapes and sizes. Fluorescent bulbs can be compact fluorescent as well as the larger, more common ones. Fluorescent light bulbs can be found in fluorescent light fixtures and even in fluorescent lamps. These types of light, fluorescent that is, are becoming more popular do to the cost effectiveness they offer. These lights are 4 to 6 times more efficient than incandescent light. Many people use incandescent lights because the light they produce is warmer then fluorescent and this can be a benefit in a home. But, so can saving some money on fluorescent lighting.
If you are interested in finding out more about fluorescent lighting, try searching online. If you do not know of any websites already, do a search, you will have many options to choose from. You can learn more about how fluorescent lights work, what they can do for you, and where you can purchase these lights for your home or work space. Or, if you would rather look at them in person, try going to a lighting specialty store and looking around. There you will find many more options to fluorescent lighting.
Consider fluorescent lighting for your home. Doing so can save you a lot of money because of home energy efficient they can be. Also, look for fluorescent lighting fixtures and lamps in department stores and specialty stores or even online. They can be just as stylish and natural looking as common items are. You may just find something that you really like in the fluorescent world!
About The Author
Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.a1-lighting-4u.com/
mjy610@hotmail.com
July 6, 2010 at 10:31 am
Compact Fluorescent Lamp: Helping You Save Cash, Save Power And Safeguard The Planet
by: Jo Alelsto
i
Let’s face it, the economy and the cost of living today was not the same twelve months ago. It had been, for many, a rather drastic change in economic climate. Major fiscal institutions have closed up, many small and medium businesses have filed for bankruptcy, and financial analysts have forecasted it will hang around for quite some time.
For the average household, this means tightening the belt a little bit more, cutting down on the expenses, and apply cost cutting measures to save up. The budget may need to have a complete makeover and a cut back on some luxuries to make room for the essentials.
This may mean enforcing some rules around the house like switching the lights off when not in use, pulling the plug of electrical appliances when you’re done, and using some practical energy saving tips not only to save money on the electrical bill but a way to contribute in saving the planet as well.
To save on your electrical bill, one of the smartest decisions you can do is replace your lights with compact fluorescent lamps or CFL’s. They can give the same amount of light compared to incandescent lights but they use less power and can also last longer. But the downside with these low energy bulbs is that they cost more than incandescent lights. You will have to invest some to save more, so to speak, once you see the latest bill after installing CFL’s around the house, and then you’ll know it was a worthwhile investment. They also have a longer lifespan, lasting up to seven years based on an average household use.
Incandescent lights such as halogen bulbs when compared to fluorescent lights have no significant difference in lighting output (measured in lumen) but there is a substantial distinction between the wattage, your G9 light bulb may be costing you more once you change over to fluorescent. Less wattage means less energy used, less electrical bill, and a big contribution to saving energy for the planet.
Another noteworthy feature of fluorescent lights is that they use less mercury than a halogen light, for instance, making disposal much easier. It was noted, in a coal-powered plant, that one 60 watt incandescent bulb needs 13.6 mg while only 3.3 mg is needed for a fluorescent bulb; thus there is a significant reduction in mercury emissions in coal-powered plants which are the major source of mercury.
These have a big impact on the alleviation of climate change, which has been around for decades now, in contrast to the recent dismal economic climate which has taken over the world. So not only are we going to contend with the unpredictable changes in the weather but also with the levels of unemployment and bankruptcy.
Start replacing your incandescent lights at home as well as the office. It will require some upfront investment because low energy bulbs cost more than G9 light bulbs but in the long run, it will cost you less in electricity bills and maintenance. You will not have to change your bulbs as often as you used to since they get dimmer after a long use.
It would also be your contribution in helping lessen greenhouse effect and climate change by using energy efficient appliances around the house as well as being more aware of what you can do as an average person.
So use fluorescent lights whenever possible instead of incandescent bulbs. By doing so, you are saving up on your money in these hard times which can surely help you budget your finances and on a bigger perspective, do your part in lessening the impacts of climate change.
About The Author
Jo is an author and publisher for ‘Litelec’ (http://www.litelec.co.uk), a UK company that specializes in the supply of electric light bulbs, light fittings, electrical accessories and associated products for domestic and industrial usage which they sell at especially competitive prices. If you want to reduce your electricity fees and also contribute to the safety of the ecosystem then start by utilizing Low Energy Bulbs at home and if you have further electrical products and accessories requirement then take a look at Litelec.
Visit the author’s web site at:
http://www.litelec.co.uk
July 15, 2010 at 2:39 pm
How do I choose the right energy-efficient light bulbs?
When it comes to energy-efficient lighting, many consumers, filled with good intentions, have carted an armload of new light bulbs home, only to see that each bulb presented a different problem – not fitting in non-traditional lamp sockets or under the shades, emitting a cold light reminiscent of a hospital, having to warm up for minutes before being suitable, or not working with a dimmer switch. Choosing to swap incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and other energy-saving technologies is one of the easiest and most effective steps toward going green, but can be confounding unless you know what you are purchasing.
Save Energy and Money
First, understand why you are making the switch. CFL bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last more than 10 times longer. While CFLs have a higher purchase price, the energy savings from the decreased energy use and increased life of the bulbs are substantial. Assuming a cost per kilowatt of 15 cents, replacing 44 wasteful bulbs in a medium-sized home can save $3,500 over the life of the first set of energy-efficient bulbs.
Bulb Shapes and Sizes
CFLs are available in various shapes and sizes. The trick is matching the bulb to the task. Most people associate CFLs with a curly-q shape, but a range of traditionally-styled bulbs is available. Generally, spiral fluorescent bulbs are ideal in fixtures allowing airflow such as lamps, pendants, and wall sconces. However, if your lamp or fixture reveals part of the bulb, or if the shade fits onto the bulb, you can purchase CFLs that are covered to look like a standard incandescent.
Flood CFLs are designed for recessed fixtures and cast light evenly on your task area. Globes can be used in vanity strips found over bathroom sinks, or in hanging pendant lamps. Standard CFLs do not work on dimmer switches, but special dimmable CFL bulbs are available, as are bulbs for three-way sockets, outdoor use, and for chandeliers and decorative lighting.
Light-emitting diode bulbs (LEDs) are a great energy-saving option, as they use 80% less electricity than comparable incandescents, last 25 times longer (25,000 hours or more) and are manufactured without mercury. They are relatively expensive, but are very popular for use in decorative lighting, chandeliers, or night lights.
Quality of Light
The light produced by CFLs falls in a range of colors. The most desired color, described as “soft white” or “warm white” (around 2,700 Kelvin), will bring out natural color tones and is ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and home offices. “Bright white” (around 4,100K), a cold or bluish white, produces a clean light good for garages, basements, and some reading lamps. While it may be tempting to purchase the bulb labeled “daylight” (5,000K) or “natural”, this light is best for commercial spaces such as galleries, stores, and restaurants.
A Few Words about Mercury
A single CFL bulb contains about 5 mg of mercury, though premium, very low-mercury CFLs are also available. To put this in perspective, old “under the tongue” thermometers contained 500 mg of mercury. When a CFL is in use and intact, no mercury is released. For disposal, the EPA recommends recycling old CFLs. Some national chains, like Home Depot, recycle CFL bulbs for free. If a CFL breaks, simply air out the room, carefully sweep the pieces into a plastic bag, and throw it away.
Be Even More Efficient
After you make the switch to CFLs, kick your efficiency up a few more notches. Add task lights to desks, tables, and night stands so that if you are working at your desk or reading, the entire room isn’t illuminated. Incorporate more daylight into your home by opening blinds or installing solar tubes, which are like skylights in tube form. Of course, keep lights off during the day or remove some bulbs from a fixture if it has more than are needed. Always use the lowest wattage needed for a task, as that saves energy as well. Train yourself and your family members to turn out the lights when leaving a room or install room occupancy sensors that do this automatically.
These simple steps, when combined with a light bulb swap-out, are a great way to reduce the energy you use to light your home. If you’d like to receive a free guide to Energy-Efficient Lighting, or are interested in seeing the many types of energy-efficient bulbs available, send me an e-mail. I’d be happy to help you learn more about savings that will have a positive impact on both your wallet and our world.
This article was provided by local Green Irene Eco-Consultant Jo Starr of Green Starr Makeovers. She helps Northern Arizona residents implement proven green solutions in their homes and starts them on the path to a healthier, safer, and more sustainable lifestyle. Contact Jo at GreenStarr.Flagstaff@greenirene.com, or visit http://www.greenirene.com/1301 for more information.
July 26, 2010 at 3:23 pm
I’m truly passionate about energy conservation for a few reasons. Therefore when I come across folks inventing technologies which I believe will force people away from beneficial and practical means of saving energy,
something has to be done.
Among those bad ideas is the BC3 electric-light bulb which Dan Lockton’s posted about on his web log. It pushes folks to select expensive and hard to find Candescent Fluorescent Lights rather than just allowing them
to decide what is most beneficial for them.
Education, I think, is the key to the answer, not manipulating people’s behaviour. As soon as you realise the immense benefits of Candescent Fluorescent Lights the option becomes easy.
I was holding a conversation recently where I was explaining my passion for energy economising and I was utilizing the good example of compact fluorescent lights as an elementary energy economising answer that is not normally used.
The man I was talking to gave me the reply that I anticipate many folks would, “When they can create a CFL which contributes the equivalent brightness level as a conventional electric-light bulb I’ll convert.”
You in all likelihood you feel the same way, If the first impression that comes to mind when you think about a CFL is a dimly lighted room, and a light that takes a couple of moments to get to “full power.” Think again.
I think that there are two decisive issues which hold back people from employing energy efficient electric-light bulbs, brightness quality and initial price.
Unfortunately a bulbs ability to illuminate can not simply be measured by the wattage of the bulb. First of all, Candescent Fluorescent Lights deliver a higher efficiency than incandescents i.e. they are more proficient
at changing electrical energy into light — that signifies more light and lower heat.
The more puzzling thing is that not all light is the same. Light has two significant attributes: a colour temperature, and its power to deliver colour accurately. Essentially “warm” light (under 3200k) is more yellowish,
and “cold” light (above 4000k) is more blueish. The Colour rendering index is the measurement of colour fluctuation when compared to a reference. Incandescents usually create warm white light and deliver a near complete CRI,
whilst Candescent Fluorescent Lights are frequently cool white and have less CRIs. A lot of new Candescent Fluorescent Lights do deliver warm white light and higher CRIs, and the light they create is comparable to incandescents.
I’ve yet to discover a CFL that is branded with the CRI, therefore when you’re standing in a shop the most beneficial thing to observe is the light coloration which ought to be labelled on the packaging (usually it will read
“warm white” or “cool white” If this is lacking then the light is likely to be cool white. Also, purchase a dearer CFL instead of the cheapest one.
The higher caliber Candescent Fluorescent Lights, like the Philips Genie or Osram Dulux SuperStar, are a lot more expensive, but you’ll be able to sustain a longer lifespan, in addition to a higher quality brightness, including
flicker free start up and shorter warm–up times. The cost difference is actually unimportant once you consider the lifespan of the incandescent lamps.
Therefore how much do you save, and how rapidly do you reclaim the costs of the incandescent lamp? This deviates from country to country hinging on the cost of electrical energy, in addition to the cost of the bulbs.
Evidently the higher the price of your electrical energy the quicker you’ll reclaim the price of the incandescent lamp and begin saving.
The conclusion
You’ll be able to drop money back into your pocket, and experience effective light, what else needs to be said? It’s definitely worth testing one of the modern Candescent Fluorescent Lights. Begin now!!