KCPL Kids - Conserving Electric Energy, Lighting

Lamps and Lighting

The majority of Americans still use the incandescent light bulb to light their homes. However, the problem with these bulbs is they waste about 90% or more of the energy they consume. Only 10% is used to create light, the rest turns into heat. They can even burn hot enough to fry an egg!

Technology has now created the compact fluorescent bulb (CFL) which uses 50% - 75% less electricity to produce the same amount of light as an incandescent bulb. They also last 8 to 10 times longer, which means you can save around $25 per fixture over the life of the bulb.

CFL bulbs carry the ENERGY STAR label
They cost a little more but save you money in the long run because they last so much longer
CFL bulbs don't generate heat like the incandescent bulb
They come in sizes and shapes to fit lamps, recessed, surface mounted and outdoor fixtures

Return to Energy House

Home I Visitor's Center I Clubhouse I Neighborhood
School I Nature Trail I Power Plant I Site Info.