Energy Saver News; WattBusters

Two gas pumps. One shows $2 per gallon. The other is $8 per gallon. You're not real thrilled about the price of either but you need to select one. Which would you choose? My guess is that it wouldn't be the one that costs four times as much as the other. Why would you throw away your hard-earned money when you don't have to? Your miles per gallon would remain exactly the same but your cost per mile would soar.

By sitting idle, many Americans make that expensive choice every day with their lighting. Every incandescent light bulb in your house uses approximately 4 times more energy than a compact fluorescent for every minute that it's turned on. We keep hammering home the idea that compact fluorescents use 1/4 the energy of regular incandescents but maybe the equation should be flipped. You are PAYING 4 times too much. DUH? It's understandable if you aren't aware of the technology but what's the excuse if you are aware?

Rising utility bills don't have to be a fact of life. We get so used to electricity costs going up that we just continue old habits and do nothing about them. We grumble a bit and make out the check. Sometimes we even make excuses for our inactivity.

"Compacts cost more than incandescents."
You can get a good compact fluorescent bulb for around $4 and they last between 5,000 and 15,000 hours. The longevity is guaranteed so they are actually a better deal than incandescents.

"I don't want to change all my light bulbs."
Don't. Just start with the ones that are left on the most. This isn't like building the Great Pyramid. Just screw them in and forget them. You'll save money.

"I'm on a fixed income and don't have extra money for fancy bulbs."
If you're on a fixed income, you'll notice the 'fancy bulb' savings more than most people. The bulbs pay for themselves because they last longer. Your electricity bill will be smaller and continue to be smaller every month. You will notice the difference.

"They won't fit in my fixture."
We can supply you with everything from a tiny 2-watt to a workhorse 42-watt compact fluorescent bulb. We even have candelabra base versions. Sometimes size does matter but we have you covered.

OK. It's time to put a stop to this 'American Idle' wait-and-do-nothing attitude. There really is no excuse to put off installing energy saving light bulbs. They work great, install easily, pay for themselves, fit in your fixtures and can save you lots of money. You might even have enough cash left over to fill your gas tank.