Switching ON to Greener Lighting

No doubt, going to greener light bulbs is a great way to save money and energy. But, like that great document, the Declaration of

Independence, says…not all eco-lighting is created equal. Ok, it doesn’t actually say that, but you see what I’m saying… all bulbs don’t perform the same.

Anyway, here are some tips to picking the right type of light bulb for your home…

• Pay more now, save later…that’s usually the motto with anything green. Remember your object is to save money and energy in the long run. The best way to do that is pick a light bulb that lasts the longest. Yes, that means coughing up funds up front, but I think you’ll be glad you did.

• CFL’s (not to be confused with the Canadian Football League) are great if they have to be on for long periods of time. You may want to go with a high efficiency halogen lamp if your fixture is infrequently used or in enclosed areas.

• If you need dimmable light bulbs, be aware that most green lightbulbs, except halogen lamps, can’t be dimmed. Be sure to check the label and see if it’s marked. You’ll also want to make sure the bulb is compatible with your dimmer or you could run into problems. Being called a “dim light bulb” by your mother in law…now, that’s another story.

• Spiral CFL’s are the cheapest type of eco-lighting these days, so buy them in bulk and use them in non-enclosed and commonly used areas. Beware though, they often give off a harsh light and can be annoying if looked at often.
Remember, buying greener lighting is a good thing to do…for both your family’s budget and mother nature. Make the investment up front and enjoy the savings later.

Go Green and Go MURPH!

Mr. Murph 🙂