Energy Saving Bulbs for the Energy Savvy

During the 1980's, energy saving bulbs were in the height of their popularity. Consuming only one fifth of the regular amount of energy one ordinary light bulb can consume, it can emit the same level of brightness. Where you would usually use a 60 W bulb, an energy saving bulb that only uses 13-18 W will do.

Though they cost considerably high at first, in the long run, the amount of energy these energy saving light bulbs can save will make the its tag price seem so ridiculously low. It's their life span that make them easily recover the price one has to pay in buying these energy saving bulbs. They don't need to be replaced oh so frequently compared to ordinary bulbs that easily get worn.

Oftentimes, it's their 6-year life span that advertisements brag about. If you'd compute it roughly, this is between 8 to 10 times more than the average life span of an ordinary light bulb.

It would further maximize your energy saving bulb if you consider using it in places where you use the most light, i.e., children's bedrooms, the hall, etc.

The Works of an Energy Saving Bulb

Two electrodes are the components of an ordinary light bulb. These two electrodes has a tungsten filament that is attached between them. The flow of electricity follows when the light is switched on. This subsequently makes the tungsten filament hot up to the extent that it glows. 2500 degrees Celsius is the average heat that filaments could reach. Also, this heat is given off with the emission of light.

On the other hand, energy saving light bulbs are kinds of lighting that utilizes the fluorescent state. These types of bulbs allow the encasment of a gas within a tube that is made of glass and that has a phosphor layer. Ultraviolet rays are emitted when the gas permits the passing through of electricity. These rays cause the glowing of the phosphor coat. What makes this very good in conserving energy is that instead of heat, what most of the energy turn into is light.

Light Dilemmas with Energy Saving Light Bulbs

Energy saving bulbs emit a color that is not that agreeable. This is one drawback with these kinds of light bulbs. Energy saving bulbs emit a cold and white color of light while ordinary light bulbs come with a warm yellowish color. It is a good thing that the gases and coatings of the glass used in manufacturing light bulbs were innovated during the 1990s. Now, these energy saving bulbs are at par with the quality of light that ordinary light bulbs emit.

One more problem with energy saving bulbs is the lengthy time that they need to warm up. There are times when more than a minute must be allotted before one energy saving bulb becomes its brightest. Luckily, the ever evolving and improving technology continuously discovers ways to shorten the warm up time of the new styles of these energy saving bulbs.

Effects of Energy Saving Bulbs to the Environment

Issues were brought up regarding the mercury content of these energy saving bulbs. And, it has always been known that mercury can be very hazardous to one's health and to the environment. This mercury comes from the powder that is on the bulb coating. This chemical is with the calcium phosphate that is on that coating. Due to growing concerns regarding this possible environmental and health detriment from these light bulbs, criteria were set to ensure that the mercury content doesn't reach the hazardous level.

This setting of criteria was complimented by the efforts of the European Eco-label scheme. It is one noble deed since it is absolutely voluntary. This is to encourage industries to produce products that are environment friendly. Comparison of those products with possible environmental risks is also accomplished by the European Eco-label.

This Eco-label activity qualifies an energy saving light bulb if it is within the maximum mercury content limit, which is 4 mg.

With these efforts, no one should think twice in purchasing an energy saving light bulb. This is because an energy saving bulb is not just energy efficient, it also is environment friendly.