Everyone is talking about using compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs to reduce our electricity needs. However, I often hear people say they are too expensive for what energy they save. So I decided to do the math to find out for myself whether my recent investment in CFL’s was worth while financially.
I had a feeling they were a good deal but the results of my investigation actually surprised me. There are many ways to compare the costs but I decided to compare one CFL to one incandescent light bulb. I recently purchased 13 watt CFL’s (GE) to replace several 60 watt incandescent bulbs. A 13 watt CFL hass approximately 825 lumens while the 60 watt incandescent bulb has 860 lumens (basically they are the same level of light). So this example will compare these two bulbs.
Here are the facts: Currently we are paying $0.153 per kWh. I purchased the Philips Soft White 60 watt bulbs for $0.88 each. The GE 13 watt CFL’s were on sale for $1.49 each (6 pack for $8.95 at Walmart!!). The CFL is rated for 8000 hours of operation and the incandescents are rated for 1000 hours.
Here’s the Math:
Incandescent Bulbs: 8 bulbs x $0.88 + 8000 hrs x $0.153 / 1000 x 60 watts = $80.48
CFL Bulbs: 1 bulb x $1.49 + 8000 hrs x $0.153 / 1000 x 13 watts = $17.40
So for 8000 hours of light for a single bulb the CFL is almost 5 times cheaper than an incandescent bulb!! If the average home has 40 light bulbs, and the bulbs last about 7 years, then the total savings of $2523 over 7 years or $360 per year. I don’t know about you but that is a signficant savings plus you’re helping reduce pollution by reducing your electricity needs.
You can buy the GE 13-Watt Energy SmartTM – 8 Pack – 60 watt ouput from Amazon and start replacing your bulbs today.










Good post. The only downside of fluorescents (compact or otherwise) is the mercury the bulbs contain, but that mercury is a much better choice than the mercury and other pollutants given off by coal-fired power plants that provide most of the electricity in the U.S.
The only times the mercury is an issue is when the bulb is burned out and then it should be recycled properly, or if the bulb breaks. If a CFL or other fluorescent breaks, use a damp rag to clean it up; do not vacuum it.