This entry was posted on Sunday, June 28th, 2009 at 10:33 pm and is filed under environment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Why environmental light bulbs?
Two of the most cited reasons for switching from the traditional light bulbs to fluorescent bulbs are mostly 1) saving the environment while 2) saving cash. The fluorescent bulbs don’t have to be replaced as often as the traditional ones, because they last up to ten times longer than the traditional bulbs. They also produce less warmth, which means you can save even more cash on air conditioning (valid mostly for bigger office spaces). Another fact is that the environmental bulbs use only one-third of the energy usage of the traditional bulbs, which is good both for the Earth and also your pocket.
Except for running a Toronto lisitngs agency, I’m always looking for quick and easy tips to make my lifestyle a bit more greener. When it comes to choosing which fluorescent light bulb to get, you might get a bit confused by the wide selection in the shops. In order to help you choose while shopping for light bulbs, we have summed up some easy tips for you.
The right bulb
The fluorescent light bulbs are produced in all types, forms and dimensions, so it would be easy to pick one that doesn’t fit. In order to avoid this, you should take your old bulb with you to the store and match it with the available assortment. You will only need one-quarter of the original wattage (60 watt traditional bulb = 15 watt fluorescent bulb). Also read the label if it’s suitable for dimmers, should you wish to use it in a dimmer light.
The perfect spot for your new bulb
These fluorescent bulbs are not appropriate for use in hot places with little air flow (recessed ceiling fixture). It is also important to take into account the fact that the fluorescent bulb needs one to three minutes to start functioning fully and it is not good to turn it on and off too frequently. So the fluorescent bulbs are best to be used in places where the light usually stays on for at least 15 minutes, otherwise the bulb could get damaged too early.
The right light
After your light bulb has served you its time, you should always recycle it at your local recycling place. The fluorescent bulbs contain mercury, a dangerous heavy-metal. If broken, do not vacuum. It is also dangerous to touch the mercury with bare hands. It’s better to clean the larger bits with a piece of cardboard. Smaller pieces can be rid of with a scotch tape. Then mop the whole place with a wet cloth and open the window for at least 15 minutes to make sure the air ventilates properly and you don’t breath in the mercury vapours.
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