skip to main content

Money Saving Tips

fluorescent day light bulbs

17 years ago

I do believe can save you quite a bit of money. I replaced most of my light bulbs over a year ago with this type of bulb. That was one consistant change I made in my household. The other was the purchase of a wringer washer, which I used for a good portion of the summer and into the fall. The third thing I did, was every chance I got I hung clothes to dry outside on the clothesline to dry instead of using the dryer. The payoff on these three changes was my budget light bill went from 189 per month to 154.

The daylight bulbs gave a much better light, whiter and cleaner looking than the regular bulbs. I think the major part of this savings was in the change of the light bulbs.

As during this time, my DS, who was living with me, seemed to use the washer and dryer more, as they were freed up because I was using the wringer and hanging. Her loads became smaller and more frequent. So I really have to attribute the savings to the use of the bulbs. Plus they last so much longer, it is a real treat not to have to change bulbs as often.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

mikie_gw
17 years ago
I measured washer load. It was something like a nickle worth of power. Standard top loader with medium water level. I only use cold/cold water so no heating/power costs there.

I dont have anything to exactly measure dryer, but seems about 2kwh for a medium load of daily wear clothes - or about 26 cents here.
bud_wi
17 years ago
About a year ago; I changed my lightbulbs to the energy saving flourescent. I put plastic over most of my windows. I put in new energy saving windows in my kitchen and dining room. I set my heat lower than ever before. I shut OFF all the heat in my basement. (I only really use the basement for laundry.)

And what happened to my utility bill??????? Well, not only did my monthlly bill go up in dollars, I checked my *usage* on the bill and it went UP. Why? How?

I can understand if the rates went up, (Which they did.) that my bill would go up, but according to my bill my USAGE went up. I don't get it.
Related Discussions
Fluorescent light bulbs
Q
Comments (2)
You are probably talking about the HO or VHO lights. Not worth the extra cost for seed starting. They do require a special ballast. However, there is a lighting forum on GW where you will find all sorts of opinions and ideas if you do want to get fancy.
...See More
Which compact fluorescent bulb is best for indoor citrus?
Q
Comments (2)
According to the University of Missouri ( http://extension.missouri.edu/p/G6515 ) Ã¢ÂÂ¦ Ã¢ÂÂPotted citrus plants prefer bright light for best growth and fruiting. You may keep them at medium light intensities during midwinter. The calamondin orange is the most popular potted citrus, although Meyer lemon and Ponderosa lemon are also satisfactory for home useÃ¢ÂÂ. They define Ã¢ÂÂmedium light intensitiesÃ¢ÂÂ as being between 250 and 1000 foot-candles, saying that the best growth occurs above 750 foot-candles. Keeping the lights on for 16 to 18 hours a day is also suggested. I donÃ¢ÂÂt know the size of your plants but IÃ¢ÂÂd think that, to properly cover anything other than very small plants, youÃ¢ÂÂd need more than one light. IÃ¢ÂÂd also suggest a kelvin rating of 5000K or higher. A CFL bulb (with a clamp-on reflector) rated at 2600 lumens, kept about 10 inches from the plants, would result in the plants getting somewhere between about 1200 and 1600 foot-candles (depending on the size and reflectivity of the reflector) of light intensity. One such bulb can be seen by clicking the link below. Bulbs like this should be available at most local hardware or big box stores. How many youÃ¢ÂÂd need would depend on the number of (and size of) your plants. Hope this helps, Art Here is a link that might be useful: Good Example This post was edited by art33 on Sat, Jan 18, 14 at 19:50
...See More
Fluorescent T5 Undercabinet Light with Daylight bulbs
Q
Comments (0)
In searching for direct-wire undercabinet fluorescent lighting, I was directed to these, and they seem to fit the bill: http://www.pegasusassociates.com/UCthininch.html I see that there are daylight (6400K) bulbs available to purchase for them, which I would prefer, but they come with cool white bulbs. Is anyone aware of a retailer who sells similar fixtures empty or gives the option of ordering the daylight bulbs instead? I've been looking around but haven't found anything like this. I could just order the daylights, I suppose, but then I'd have four cool white bulbs sitting around that I'd never use.
...See More
Mercury Risks/ Compact Fluorescent Bulbs and LED bulbs
Q
Comments (1)
Yes. After the first bulb broke and I had to deal with the mercury contamination, I eliminated them.
...See More
joyfulguy
17 years ago
bud WI,

Sometimes life just ain't fair!

Undergoing some privation in a good cause ... should have at least a little pay-off, right?

They tell me that light production from a compact fluorescent is about 4:1 relative to incandescent, i.e., 15 watt CFL should produce about equiv. to 60w. incandescent. I don't think so - it's less, according to me (and there's one operating within half a metre of my elbow, at the moment).

ole joyful
grainlady_ks
17 years ago
We have 2 recessed can lights over the bar area in our kitchen. By accident, I had our room thermometer sitting directly under the lights (on the bar) and noted the temperature. Turned on the can lights to do a task, and couldn't believe the temperature went up 3Â°F from those 2 lights. We were very happy when we found fluorescent lights to replace them. We've used compact fluorescent bulbs for about 15 years, but didn't realize they had some to use in the recessed can lights.

So not only are these lights energy efficient, you save on your cooling bill in the summer because of all the heat produced from incandescents.

About 15% of your energy goes to heating water (according to one source) - and is a good area to save energy. We have an additional problem in our area, water shortage. What we've done to save water AND energy, is to use a small plastic tote in the kitchen sink for washing up a few dishes and kitchen clean up after meals - not a huge sink full of sudsy water. Instead of running 3 gallons of water down the drain until it gets hot, we use about 3-5 CUPS of cold water and heat 3-5 CUPS of hot water in an electric kettle to add to the cold water. Believe it or not, 6-10 cups of water is more than enough to do dishes. We rinse dishes in cold water, which according to our local health department, is perfectly safe to do. The average sink of water is 3-4 times the amount I use.

I also have 2 Camp Showers. These are black plastic containers that you fill with water (5-gallons) and sit in the sun to heat the water. Once again, free heated water.

I also use solar ovens for as much of our cooking as possible. Naturally, energy for them costs nothing and it keeps the cooking heat out of the kitchen.

-Grainlady

Related Stories

HOUSEPLANTS Meet a Palm That's Fine With Fluorescent Light

By creative jewish mom.com

Get the look of the tropics without the full-on sun and high humidity — parlor palm tolerates regular indoor conditions with aplomb

DECORATING GUIDES Lose It: How to Get Rid of Old Light Bulbs

By Vanessa Brunner

When the light goes out, you'll want to get rid of the bulb safely. Here's how

HOME TECH Here's a Bright Idea: Smart Bulbs for Better Lighting

Lightbulbs that can change brightness and color with a cell phone command show flashes of design brilliance

FALL GARDENING 7 Delightfully Different Bulbs for Your Spring Garden

By Matt Kilburn

Fall planting: Stray from the standards for a more exotic spring garden that draws applause

GARDENING GUIDES 6 Unsung Bulbs for Fall Planting

By LuAnn Brandsen

Don't hang up your spade after summer — plant these unusual bulbs in fall for a spectacular spring show

GARDENING GUIDES Gardening With Kids: How to Plant Bulbs

By Alison Hodgson

You don't need expertise to get flowering bulbs in the ground in fall — but kids will feel like gardening pros come spring

GARDENING GUIDES 7 Tropical Bulbs for a Summer Garden That Wows

By Steve Asbell

Try these stunners in summer's powerful heat for garden thrills with an exotic flair

HOUSEPLANTS How to Force Amaryllis Bulbs Indoors

By creative jewish mom.com

Enjoy vibrant red blossoms even as gardens turn snowy white, by teaching this hardy repeat performer to ignore the calendar

DIY PROJECTS Holiday DIY: Mason Jar Forced Bulbs and Evergreen Gift Tags

Learn how to make these winter projects from the book ‘Garden Made’ by Stephanie Rose

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: Light the Way to Fall Days

By Jake & Jamie Bartlett

Let the glow of these stylish table and floor lamps make the transition from summer to fall a bit easier

Sponsored

NME Builders LLC

2 Reviews

Industry Leading General Contractors in Franklin County, OH

More Discussions

Moss: Ferrous Sulfide fertilizer - can I use on asphalt shingle roof?

0