theHword.com

That Kermit really knows his stuff. It was 1970 when Kermit the Frog first mystically predicted it is not easy being green. I’m just now finding that frog was right on. Last week, Energy Pioneer Solutions of Hastings performed a complete energy of my little house. It took nearly three hours of exploration, climbing and measurements from electronic metering devices that were direct from the set of the Ghost Buster movies. The good news is I’m generally energy efficient. Actually, it’s my house that’s efficient. I personally have some work before I can be called a true energy pioneer.

Light bulbs, I was told, were the biggest improvement I could make. Dumping my conventional bulbs and switching to fluorescent, CFL bulbs would save me well over $100 per year. My knowledge of CFL bulbs was limited (and begins with the simplest questions like what does CFL even stand for?). I knew that those bulbs could be slow to turn on and provide a light that was reminiscent of my high school gym. Jay, my Energy Pioneer project manager, assured me that CFL bulbs have made great advances and those early problems have been solved. (He also told me that CFL stood for compact florescent lamp.) Jay is right that bulbs have advanced. Just go to any hardware store and you’ll find every version of these energy bulbs are sold. I mean EVERY version. From the very first prototype to the latest in light bulb technology, they are all available… literally dozens and dozens of options… of light bulbs!

After no less than four trips exploring the three different aisles of CFL bulbs at Menards, I can tell you that there is a big difference in those energy efficient bulbs. First, avoid the cheapest options. Anything below $2 each will mean they’ll need several seconds to warm up and, once at their full shine, will have a funky illumination that does not make your home inviting. (Related note, I have a box of four cheap bulbs that I’ll happily sell you at a discounted price.)

You’ll also want to take note of light bulb size. Some of the older, cheaper CFLs can be larger than those “old fashioned” bulbs of yesteryear. (This finding was odd considering the word “compact” is the first word in the CFL name.) This came as news to me and presented some problems. I now have an elaborate schematic of my home’s lighting and how much space there is between the socket and the glass globe that surrounds it. Some of those older, slightly larger CFLs just wouldn’t fit where I needed them. (Related note, I have a box of two, slightly oversized bulbs that I’ll sell you at a discounted price.)

The good news is that I was able to find some CFL bulbs that are pretty impressive. New models can be affordable ($2.50-$4.00 each), compact, produce light quickly and with a glow that is hard to distinguish between what you have now. Look for product boxes that promote new technology or use a phrase like “Living Spaces.” Do take Jay’s advice, make Kermit happy and save a few of your own dollars by replacing the bulbs in your house.

About the author: Dan Peters

Dan Peters is a 30-something administrator at Hastings College where he tries daily to convince students that he’s not nearly as old as they think he is. Having grown-up in central Nebraska, Dan knows all the spots to have fun, eat a ton and find a celebration. Dan is a huge fan of Jimmy Buffett and is committed to the idea of one day having Jimmy play at the Adams County Fair.