Extreme Energy Savings: Part 4

So you’ve replaced most of your light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, and you’ve taken care of the big fluorescent fixtures in your home or office if you read my last article. What about the other errant fixtures in your home?

My first problem was switches with dimmers. These have to be replaced with the newer, dimmable compact fluorescent bulbs, and they are a bit more expensive. Plus, they don’t last as long as they are supposed to. They say 20 years, but in my experience I am replacing them as often as I replace a regular light bulb. Despite what is claimed, the dimmable fixtures just don’t like those dimmable bulbs.

I thought about this for a while, and then realized that I don’t even need dimmer switches. I either need light, or I don’t. What purpose are they serving anyway? So I simply replaced all of the dimmer switches with regular ones, and voila! I could now use my compact fluorescent bulbs. Again, hire an electrician of you are unfamiliar with working with electricity. The new switches cost me about 45 cents each.

While it was nice to have a little light in the bathroom at night, I replaced the dimmer switch in there too. Then I plugged a light sensor night light into the handy outlet on the wall. When it gets dark, the light comes on and automatically shuts off in the day.

Another handy tip is that they sell globe shaped compact fluorescent bulbs now. So you can replace the bathroom bulbs and it will still look nice. It takes a minute for them to get up to full power though. This is something my wife did not appreciate at first, but she did adjust for my sake.

Outside, I also use CF bulbs. They do not work as well in the cold, but they do work. I live near Chicago and have not had a problem with them regardless of how cold it got outside.

Finally, remember that all fluorescent bulbs contain mercury, a very dangerous substance. Please be careful if you break one and do not inhale or touch the powder that comes out. Eventually, we will all be switching to the newer LED lighting, which is more efficient and isn’t dangerous. The price is just too steep right now to make them an option.

Except for Christmas trees! There are reasonably priced LED strings for Christmas trees now, and that can add up your savings.