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- 1). Replace the regular bulbs with CFLs over a period of time. Original costs of these newer light sources are three to four times the expense of regular incandescent bulbs. The savings in electrical costs will be seen on every monthly utility bill.
- 2). Change to CFLs in the ceiling light fixtures first, especially those lights that are used most often. Operate the CFLs in the same way you would regular lighting. You will note that the new lights will get brighter after they have warmed up, typically after 2 to 3 minutes.
- 3). Use the CFLs for night lights and lights located outdoors, as long as there is protection from the weather. These lights, just like regular fluorescent bulbs, are most efficient when left on.
- 4). Calculate the savings on energy usage for the CFLs. Take the 8 pack of 60-watt CFLs that only use 13 watts of power. Add up the power that was used by the typical 60-watt light bulbs. 8 light bulbs times 60 watts is equal to 480 watts. The CFLs are equal to a total of 104 watts. Subtract 480 watts from 104 watts and the savings is 376 watts.
- 5). Figure the actual money saved by not consuming 376 watts. Electrical power is charged by the kilowatt hour (kWh). A kilowatt is equal to 1,000 watts. Divide 376 by 1,000 and the outcome is 0.376 kW. Cost of electrical power on average in the U.S. is 10 cents per kWh.
- 6). Multiply 10 cents, $0.10, times 0.376 and the savings is 3.76 cents, $0.0376, per hour of operation. If the lights are on for 10 hours a day 7 days a week, that is 70 hours times $0.0376, which is equal to $2.63 a week or $10.52 a month. Those CFLs were free.
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