Replacing regular incandescent light bulbs in your lamps and ceiling fixtures can really add up! In addition, new compact fluorescent lights last far longer than incandescent bulbs. It’s a win-win situation. Look at the savings detailed at energystar.gov.

Energy Star qualified CFLs use only 1/3 of the energy of a standard incandescent bulbs to provide the same amount of light, and last up to 10 times longer. This means that a single bulb will save $30 or more in energy costs over its lifetime. They also generate 70 percent less heat than comparable incandescents, so they’re safer to operate and can cut energy costs associated with home cooling.

Compact fluorescents do contain trace amounts of environment damaging mercury, and must be disposed of properly.