We CAN Be Green

Energy Election Guide

Decent article today in the The Wall Street Journal comparing Obama's and McCain's views on energy and the environment.  Regardless of the other major issues (i.e. the economy), what is your take on each candidate's energy/environmental policies?  Who has the policy that will not only help our environment but do something for our wallets?

 

CFL's aka Compact Fluorescent Lamps

CFL's, also known as compact fluorescent lamps, are touted as the easiest and most affordable way for the average family to save money on their electric bills while also being good to the environment.  But are the upfront costs associated with replacing "old fashioned" incandescent bulbs with CFL's worth it? 

For example, I live in a four bedroom colonial with a finished basement.  All total, we have around 74 light bulbs in our home.  This does not include appliance or outside lights since they are so rarely used.  To make it as accurate as possible, I am including dimmable floodlights, globe and vanity bulbs, chandelier bulbs and ceiling fan bulbs in my estimate.  So, I've estimated that it would cost us almost $550 to replace all of our incandescent bulbs at once. 

Now, while this may be the right thing to do environmentally, it does not seem to make much sense economically.  So what we've done is to first replace the bulbs in our high use areas:  kitchen (dimmable floodlights), bathrooms (vanity bulbs) and office (traditional bulbs).  I wish I would have done the family room too but those lights are about 12 feet up.  Once the traditional bulbs start to burn out then I will replace them and that is the approach I'm taking with the remainder of the house.  Eventually, we'll get to replacing all but in a way that makes economical AND environmental sense.

One other point, even when you switch to CFL's, turn off the lights when you leave a room and turn down that dimmer!  No easier way to save than to be smart.

What have your experiences been with CFL's and making the switch?  Please share your thoughts with a comment.