Light Bulb Laws and Texas

[Stubby]

We have a variable rate here if you have dual energy.
0.04 above -12c
0.17 below -12c

needless to say we did a lot of weekend cooking and washing.

[MSimon]

So what have I done with my increased efficiency?

For one thing I no longer accept the light from a 40W bulb. The smallest I now use is a 75W equivalent. And I'm tending to upgrade those to 100W equivalents.

Since light is cheaper I want more of it.

[paperburn1]

Incandescents at $5? Seems a little high.

And the efficiency rating

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compact_fluorescent_lamp
Compared to general-service incandescent lamps giving the same amount of visible light, CFLs use one-fifth to one-third the electric power, and last eight to fifteen times longer.

In my experience you need a 25W CFL to make the same light as a 100 W Edison bulb.

I try and by MADE in the USA stuff because I believe it supports our economy better. Bulbs can be had cheaper but in my experience they are all made in china. If every american spent 1 dollar a day on made in the USA items our economy would receive 2 million jobs that pay 30 000 a year or so I am told. so I try and shop local and buy USA made. Its harder than you would think. http://www.usstuff.com Or just google made in the USA So your right it can be found cheaper and I agree with stepping up to the next wattage as the bulbs do dim over time.

[MSimon]

Well. I go at it differently. I make things in the USA. With some help from American distributors of Chinese makers.

http://oshpark.com/

And let us not forget that under current circumstances the Chinese are keeping the American government afloat. It is not a one way deal.

[MSimon]

I agree with stepping up to the next wattage as the bulbs do dim over time.

So do Edison bulbs.

I step up because I can afford it.