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shades may be combined with lower wattages to save even more money. Bulbs that comply with the U.S. Government's Energy Star program meet strong energy efficiency and environmental standards that can give a consumer a good baseline from which to compare. For example, bulbs under the energy star program have a life span rating of 6000 hours or more, have constant light output, are 2/3rds more efficient than incandescent light bulbs and indicate the color based on a 'color rendering index'. Bulbs meeting these requirements often indicate the energy star label on them so the shopper can know they meet Government standards for energy efficiency.

Compact fluorescent light bulbs do cost more than incandescent bulbs but the savings are clear. If one changes all the light bulbs in a house using energy star light bulbs, energy consumption used for electric lighting in that house should be around 66% lower. Also, changing light bulbs will not be a routine event with these types of light bulbs because of their lifespan. The extra cost of these light bulbs could pay off within about a month depending on how much electric light one relies upon. Once the initial step is taken to convert one's home or business to an energy efficient lighting system the hardest part is done. Many lighting sections of home improvement stores already use these types of bulbs in their lighting displays because they do save a lot of money. The bulbs can also be ordered and compared online at websites like www.ekitchengadgets.com and www.walmart.com in addition to many others. Compare, shop and enjoy the savings it is worth it.

Sources:

http://www.energyst ar.gov/index.cfm?c=cfls.pr_cfl s
http://www.gelighting.com/na/ home_lighting/ask_us/faq_compa ct.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/Compact_fluorescent_lamp
h ttp://www.wstar.org/Windstar/E ducation/LivingLightly/Livingl ightlyLightbulbs.html
http://ne ws.spamcop.net/pipermail/spamc op-geeks/2006-March/011471.htm l
http://www.ekitchengadgets.co m/sucoflbu40.html
http://www.en vironmentaldefense.org/page.cf m?tagid=629
http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/Compact_fluorescent_ lamp
http://online.wsj.com/publ ic/article/SB11652807721134064 9-oyZ5_Fo_MsGnrz_DaU4vnBDFp8Q_ 20070104.html?mod=tff_article

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