Why should I be concerned about energy efficient modern table lamps?
Table lamps are an integral part of the lighting design for your room…but just like any lighting source, they cost money to run. Since your table lamps will likely be left on in your bedroom, living room and family or entertainment room more than your overhead lighting will, it just makes sense to look for features that will ease the burden on your electrical bill.
How can I make my table lamps more energy efficient?
Luckily, it’s easier than you think! Many modern lamps now take compact fluorescent bulbs, or CFL’s. In fact, CFL’s have largely begun to replace traditional incandescent bulbs. CFL’s give off the same amount of light in a room, but they do so while using less power. They also last much longer than traditional bulbs, so you don’t have to replace them as often. Finally, CFL bulbs are much better for the environment. They save roughly 2,000 times their own weight in greenhouse gas emissions.
What are CFL bulbs, exactly?
A CFL bulb is a small tube filled with gas, and attached to either an electronic or a magnetic ballast. Most CFL bulbs available now will have an electronic ballast, as they do not flicker and they illuminate right away, unlike magnetic ballasts. When you switch on your light, electricity enters the ballast and causes the gas in the bulb to glow with ultraviolet light.
Will a CFL bulb fit my lamp?
Most modern lamps that are made for tables and desks will now accommodate CFL’s. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes, such as spiral, round or a log tube. Some even work with a dimmer switch. No matter what size or style of table lamp you have, you should be able to find a CFL that will fit. If your lamps are older, make sure you check before you buy a CFL bulb.
How much can I really save using CFL’s?
CFL’s last about 10 times longer than traditional bulbs. They use around a quarter of the energy, and they generate around 90% less heat. They also emit more light per watt. For example, a 15 watt CFL puts out the same amount of light as a 60 watt incandescent.
Knowing this, let’s say that you leave your table lamp on for 6 hours each day. A traditional lightbulb will last about 4-5 months. A CFL bulb, on the other hand, will keep going for over four and a half years. Imagine the cost savings, in both bulbs and utilities, if you put CFL bulbs in all your modern table lamps!
