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Compact fluorescent bulbs gaining acceptance

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By John Nolan, Staff Writer 10:43 PM Saturday, May 16, 2009

After getting a bad rap initially, compact fluorescent light bulbs are gaining broader acceptance as an easy step to help homeowners, businesses and military bases improve energy efficiency and reduce power bills.

The Air Force, acting on a recommendation of the federal government’s Energy Star program, has replaced more than 228,000 incandescent light bulbs with the compact fluorescents at bases nationwide during the past year. The Air Force said it expects to save $7.5 million by using the compact fluorescents. They can last up to 10 times longer than incandescents, generate less heat and save $30 to $40 in energy costs over their operating lives.

In February, Dayton Power and Light Co. partnered with manufacturers and retailers to begin selling discounted compact fluorescent bulbs. Home Depot, Lowe’s, Sam’s Club, Wal-Mart, Ace Hardware, Bed Bath & Beyond, CVS and Dollar Tree are participating, and more retailers could be added.

The discounts can average $1.30 per bulb or more, a help since compact fluorescents typically cost more than incandescent bulbs.

“Lighting is one of the significant energy users in the home,” said Tom Tatham, DP&L’s director of energy programs. It typically accounts for about 20 percent of a home’s energy bill.

DP&L and other utilities are offering the bulb discounts among an array of conservation programs, in response to a 2008 state law which set energy efficiency requirements for all Ohio utilities.

The programs also include rebates for energy-conserving products and projects. They can help customers reduce energy bills and the utilities make long-term service plans, and could delay the need for building expensive new generating plants, Tatham said.

Compact fluorescent bulbs have downsides. They contain trace amounts of mercury, a toxic substance, which poses a problem if bulbs break, or after they are discarded in landfills. Some consumers complain that their light is too harsh, and that there is a delay before they give off light.

Sue Eckert, owner of the Greive Hardware stores in Kettering, said that light bulbs generally are a big seller. Incandescents, however, still account for 75 percent of her bulb sales, Eckert said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2242 or jnolan@DaytonDailyNews.com.