The Pros and Cons of Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs)

Americans have been debating the pros and cons of compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFls) for over a decade.

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CFLs actually have a thirty odd year history from conception to manufacturing, so their pros and cons now list almost as long as the number of 'how to change a lightbulb' jokes. Their lack of widespread acceptance among the American tells us much about the strength of the positions held by the users and nonusers.

CFL users and promoters often focus on the comparative benefits of CFL energy efficiency and long term cost savings. The functional argument starts with the assumption that obtaining light is the primary goal of purchasing light bulbs.

In light bulb speak, light is measured by lumens. A traditional 75 watt incandescent light bulb produces 1170 lumens of light and lasts on average 750 hours.

The very same bulb in its compact fluorescent reincarnation produces 1170 lumens (the same amount of light) using a mere 20-21 watts of electricity. Same light, but it requires up to 75% electricity to generate. Long terms costs are further reduced because the bulbs are advertised to last anywhere from six to eleven times longer than their incandescent counterparts.

Of course, light bulb life, like gasoline mileage in your automobile, depends on your lighting habits. Both bulb manufacturers and the United States Department of Energy recommend using these bulbs in areas where the lights stay on for long periods of time. Currently, no CFLs are recommended for dimmer switches.

Cost savings associated with the use of CFLs can also be calculated in other ways. For example, a 2001 report by the Energy Information Administration says that lighting the average household accounts for 8.8% of total household electricity consumption. Changing to 75% more efficient light bulbs should result in around a 7% savings on your monthly electricity bill.

Cost and aesthetic concerns lead the list of consumer complaints directed against CFLs. Most styles of CFLs retail between $4.00 - $15.00. The cost factor diminishes greatly when you consider the number of different CFL discounts and giveaways available through local utilities, mass market chain stores and other retail and public outlets. Some local giveaways strictly limit the number of bulbs per customer given away. Still, it is relatively easy to discover additional opportunities in your area for bulk purchases at the cost of one dollar per bulb.

With a thirty odd year history, CFL manufacturers recognize that the type of light produced by a bulb matters as much to the average consumer as much as type of light matters to impressionistic painters. Consumers with an aesthetic aversion to CFLs either do not like the look of the bulb or they do not like the light the bulb produces.

Fortunately, lighting and bulb technology has improved over the past decade, thereby increasing consumer choice.

The variety of lighting fixture and bulb shading options available to hide the bulb from eye view continues to increase. With a little ingenuity, any consumer can purchase or create the perfect light shade for their home.

CFL manufacturers also realized that type of light matters. Newer generation CFLs come in cool light, soft light and day light versions, making it easier for consumers to choose different types of lights for different rooms in the house.

The final downside of CFLs is their use of a small amount of mercury in each bulb. The amount is small enough to be a nuisance factor to anyone needing to clean up from one broken bulb.

The problem turns from a nuisance to a hazardous condition, considered in the aggregate. Millions of broken or improperly disposed CFLs constitutes a hazardous condition in any area. It is important for manufacturers and consumers to organize a safe recycling system.

© 2001-2007. Patricia A. Michaels