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Q. Is it a good idea to turn off lights when leaving a room? Don't they
use more energy when they are first turned back on?
A. You should turn them off. Incandescent or fluorescent lamps do not use
any additional energy at start-up.
Q. I've seen compact fluorescent bulbs in stores and they seem quite
expensive - will they really save me money?
A. Although the initial cost is quite a bit more than standard incandescent
lamps, they last up to eight times as long and use only about one-quarter of the
amount of electricity to provide the same amount of light. Over the life of the
bulb, the reduced energy costs combined with reduced replacement costs make
compact fluorescents an excellent investment.
Q. Will compact fluorescents provide the same amount and quality of light
as regular (incandescent) light bulbs?
A. As long as you use the correct size or wattage, you will get the same
amount of light, and today's compact fluorescents have a much better quality of
light and color rendition than old fluorescents - you really should not notice a
difference.
Q. Can compact fluorescents be used in all types of fixtures?
A. There are several different types and shapes of compact fluorescents
available that should fit most fixtures. In some cases an adapter may be
necessary.
Q. Do the "energy saver" or "energy miser" type of incandescent bulbs save
as much as compact fluorescents?
A. No, but they do use less than standard incandescents, so they are a good
option in fixtures that will not accept compact fluorescents. They also last
longer than standard incandescents, but nowhere near as long as compact
fluorescents.
Q. Does outdoor security lighting use a lot of electricity, and how can I
save while still protecting my home and property?
A. Electric use will depend on the wattage of the lights and hours of
operation. Since outdoor security lights are typically incandescent and higher
in wattage than indoor lights, the cost can be significant, particularly if a
large number of high-wattage lights are used. You can save by limiting the hours
of operation with timers, photocells or motion detectors.
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