Trefficient

Sometimes understanding the value to paying more can help put things into perspective. Yes, buying compact fluorescent bulbs is more expensive, but only in the short run.

Let’s assume that you’re using a 23w compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) to replace a 75w incandescent bulb and that the CFL has an 8,000 hour lifespan. 75-23= 52w saved per bulb replaced. 52x *8(kw)*.1(kw/h cost)= $41.6 saved in energy costs over the life of the CFL. Not bad.

But wait, there’s more! We now need to figure in the savings of not having to replace the incandescent bulb. Assuming the bulb has a life of 1,000 hours, we saved replacing 8 bulbs and at a cost of $.5 each, that’s an extra $4 saved. $41.6+4 = $45.6 saved by using the CFL.

$45.6 - $3 (for the cost of the CF)L is a total savings of $42.6.

Average payback period is:
$45.6/8000 = .0057

3/.0057 = 526 hours of lamp usage. That’s 132 days if the lamp is on for 4 hours per day. Nice.

Writers note: Math doesn’t tend to be one of my strong points, so feel free to comment and correct any errors. Image form Grey Wind.

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