As consumers, we want to save money. When it comes to saving money on electric and adopting more energy efficient habits, one of the most common questions seems to be: Are compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs really more efficient than regular incandescent light bulbs? The answer is simple: Yes!

How They Work

Creating light by running electricity through a resistive filament, incandescent light bulbs heat the filament to a very high temperature. This causes the bulb to glow and produce an extremely visible light, however more than 98 percent of the energy used is emitted as heat.

On the other hand, CFL bulbs produce ultraviolet light, working by passing electricity through a mercury vapor, exciting the gas. As the UV light hits the white coating inside of the CFL bulb, the coating changes into a light that you can see. CFL bulbs don’t use heat to create light.

Lumens Per Watt

A regular incandescent bulb can produce about 15 lumens per watt while CFL bulbs typically produce 50 to 70 lumens per watt. In other words, you can buy a 15-watt CFL bulb that produces the same about of light as a regular 60-watt regular incandescent bulb.

Cost and Lifespan

A 6-pack of GE 60-watt incandescent light bulbs costs approximately $4 while a 2-pack of GE 15-watt CFL bulbs (equivalent to a 60-watt regular incandescent bulb) costs approximately $13. While it’s clearly obvious that regular incandescent bulbs are inexpensive, the typical lifespan is around 1,000 hours versus an average lifespan ranging between 1,200 to 20,000 hours for CFL bulbs.

Savings

Using 2/3 less energy than a regular incandescent light bulb and lasting up to 10 times as longer, replacing your average 60-watt regular incandescent bulb with a 15-watt CFL can save you at least $30 in energy costs over the lifespan of the bulb. On average, you’ll save approximately $6 per year per bulb. Just think of the savings if you switch all of your regular incandescent bulbs to CFL bulbs!

To learn more about CFL bulbs, click here to download the Environmental Protection Agency’s frequently asked questions sheet on CFL bulbs.

Have you taken significant steps to practice energy efficiency within your home? Existing and new construction homes can qualify for savings of 30 percent of equipment cost. To qualify, the home must be your principal residence. Rentals and second homes are not eligible for the Consumer Energy Efficiency Tax Credits. For more information on these credits, visit the ENERGY STAR Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency’s website. Note, not all ENERGY STAR certified products qualify for a tax credit.

Solar Energy Systems

Solar power is the conversion of sunlight into electricity using photovoltaics (directly) or concentrated solar polar (indirectly). Florida, specifically, is a wonderful place to utilize solar power to frequent sunshine, allowing homeowners to take advantage of this natural resource. Solar water heaters use the sun’s thermal energy to heat water to use in your home, coming in a wide variety of designs and prices. All solar water heaters include a collector and storage tank. To qualify, at least half of all energy generated must come from the sun and be certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) or a similar corporation endorsed by state government. The solar energy tax credit includes installation costs.

Geothermal Heat Pumps

Similar to ordinary heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps instead use the earth’s in-ground natural heat to provide heating, air conditioning and hot water in your home. All geothermal heat pump components certified by the manufacturer are covered in the tax credit, however some add-on components may not be covered, including emergency back-up systems and ducts. In order to qualify, geothermal heat pumps must be certified by ENERGY STAR. The geothermal heat pump tax credit includes installation costs.

Fuel Cells (Residential Fuel Cell and Microturbine System)

A safer, cleaner and more efficient alternative to gasoline and fossil fuels, Residential Fuel Cells and Microturbine Systems enable the use of hydrogen technologies to power your home. A fuel cell is a device that converts the chemical energy from a given fuel into electricity through a chemical reaction with oxygen or another oxidizing agent. Having the potential to revolutionize the way we power our homes and the nation, Residential Fuel Cells and Microturbine systems have recently become a more affordable and practical approach to saving energy. The fuel cells tax credit includes installation costs.

Small Wind Residential Turbines

Collecting kinetic energy from the wind, wind turbines convert the wind’s power into electricity, putting it back into your home’s electrical system for efficient use. Small wind turbines have a lower energy output than that of large commercial wind turbines found on wind farms and may be as small as a fifty watt generator for boats, caravans or a small refrigeration unit. To qualify for the small wind residential turbine tax credit, the turbine must have a nameplate capacity of no more than 100 kilowatts. The small wind residential turbines tax credit includes installation costs.

Myth #1: Closing your vents saves energy.

Because energy is consumed by the air unit itself, closing the vents restricts the air at the vent, redirecting the air to other locations and through possible leaks in the duct system. In addition, closing vents can also put pressure on the fan that pushes the air through the system. This causes the system to work harder, ultimately using more energy and causing more wear and tear.

Myth #2: Leaving a ceiling fan on will cool a room– even if no one is in it.

Fans cool people, not rooms! Ceiling fans circulate the air in the room to create a draft, making you feel cooler, but not actually lowering the temperature of the room. Leaving your ceiling fan on when you’re not in the room is a waste of both energy and money.

Myth #3: Setting the thermostat higher heats your home faster.

Although setting your thermostat higher does have the potential to increase the run-time of the heating system, doing so will cause the system to use more energy. Not to mention, your home will become uncomfortably hot!

Myth #4: Leaving a light on uses less energy than turning it off, then on again.

As ridiculous as it may sound, some people do believe that leaving a light on for an extended period of time– rather than turning it off and on again– uses less energy. Despite the on again, off again effect, there is actually no significant additional power drawn when turning on a light bulb. Lights should always be turned off each time you leave a room, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

Myth #5: Leaving your air conditioning running when you’re not at home is more efficient than having to re-cool a space when you return.

Although this is false, you shouldn’t turn the system off completely. In doing so, more energy will be used to cool down your entire house, replacing the warm air that’s accumulated throughout the day (if it’s hot outside) with cool air. At the same time, however, it’s inefficient to leave your air conditioning unit on all day, causing the compressor to operate regularly for the hours you’re not at home. Instead, lower your system when you leave the house for extended periods of time and, if possible, set a timer for about a half hour before you return home.

We all know how important it is to stay warm during the colder months of the year. But what effects do those harsh winter days have on your home and your wallet? Here’s a few simple tips to follow to save energy by spending little to no money at all, ultimately knocking hundreds off of your bills in the long run.

1. Turn down your water heater

Lowering the temperature of your water heater can reduce your water heating costs by 6 to 10 percent. Most conventional water heaters are set by installers to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, but lowering the temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower would more than suffice.

2. Make a draft snake

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, incoming drafts can waste 5 to 30 percent of your energy use. To make a draft snake, simply place a rolled bath towel under a drafty door to keep the cool air from coming in.

3. Be aware of your thermostat

For every degree that you lower your thermostat during heating season, you’ll save between 1 and 3 and percent of your heating bill. While it’s easy to just set it and forget it, turning the heat down when you leave your home is one of the easiest and surest ways to save money. In remembering to do so, the average family can save up to $180 per year.

4. Use caulking and weatherstripping

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, finding ways to avoid simple leaks can reduce a home’s energy efficiency by 5 to 30 percent per year. To caulk or weatherstrip properly, take a close look at places where two different building materials meet (think: corners, along foundations and where pipes and wires exit) and seal where necessary.

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You may think that all electrical contracting companies and electricians are the same. However, when it comes to end price, quality and safety — there’s an intrinsic value to choosing a company who has a Professional Electrical Engineer (PE) on staff.

General Pricing Value

Due to the competitiveness of the industry, it costs the same to work with a company who has an electrical engineer on staff as one that does not. In fact, using a company (bonded and insured or not) which does not have internal access to the experience of an engineer can often lead to costlier repairs down the road. It also avoids the need for that company to charge you for the hiring of an external engineering firm for essential project components. Make the right choice — and do it once.

Inspection Value

Many counties and cities permit professional engineers to certify inspections, avoiding costly third-party inspections. Keep in mind that some insurance companies as well as condominium and homeowners associations require these inspections be performed after certain types of electrical repairs or improvements are made to your home.

Quality and Safety

Engineers endure an intense curriculum in which quality and safety are paramount components. Having a professional engineer create electrical drawings and inspect an electrician’s work ensures that wiring and electrical support systems are sufficient for the project at hand. This “doubling up” of experience eliminates safety hazards.

PGI has a Professional Electrical Engineer (PE) on Staff

You knew we wouldn’t be telling you this unless we had an in-house electrical engineer! Our pricing is extremely competitive with the added benefit of having an in-house electrical engineer on staff to serve you. Contact us today for your home or business electrical repairs and improvements.

Get an additional 20% off!

For a limited time, first time customers get 20% off their entire service bill. Fill out the form below for your free, no-obligation quote. We won’t hassle or push you — that’s not the way business should be done.

Through the end of this year, when you use our electrical or generator services we will donate 5% of the bill to Adopt-A-Family in your name. Take advantage of our electrical expertise while helping families in need.

For more information about Adopt-A-Family, visit adoptafamilypbc.org. Fill out the form below for your free electrical or generator repair, upgrade or installation quote.

Serving Palm Beach, Martin, Broward and St. Lucie Counties

Invest in green technology and improve the security of your home or business while increasing the value of your home! For a limited time, we’ll install a brand new solar-powered LED security floodlight for only $150 “out the door”! Order as many or as few as you’d like.

Heath-Zenith Motion Activated Security Lighting – Model # SL-7210-WH

The SL-7210-WH L.E.D. solar powered security light features 180-Degree motion detection up to 70-Feet. Uses LED light package. Heath-Zenith is synonymous with quality, integrity and innovation around the globe. They are committed to developing products that enhance their customers’ lives through peace of mind, safety and convenience.

Technical Specifications

• Detection Zone up to 70 ft away
• Uses LED Light Package (Included)
• 5 Year Warranty
• Light Fixture: 4″w x 2″d x 10″h
• Solar Panel: 3.875″w x 1.25″d x 4″h
• Motion-Activated Nighttime Lighting
• Selectable Light Timer (TEST, 1 min, 5 min or 20 min)
• Adjustable Detection Sensitivity

However, what can you do if an upgrade isn’t in your budget right now? Following the simple (and inexpensive) tips below will help you to start seeing savings on your next bill.

Change your air filter regularly

It’s no surprise that a dirty air filter will cause a greater strain on your HVAC system. Trying to pull air through a filter that’s super blocked up requires more electricity. Protip: You can buy your filters in multi-packs at your local Home Depot, Lowes, Sam’s Club, BJ’s or Costco. Write the desired date of change on each filter to create a regular schedule (no more than 3 months between changes). Some homes require a change every 30 days — inspect your filter regularly and never run your system without a filter.

Tune up your heating and cooling equipment annually

This includes vacuuming ducts, among other things. Check with your local air conditioning specialist — it’s less expensive than you might think. Protip: Call 4 or 5 specialists and let them bid for your business.

Install a programmable thermostat

This is a big one. You can find a programmable thermostat very inexpensively at your local hardware store or online marketplaces such as Amazon. Protip: Set your thermostat to shut off for a few hours while you’re sleeping or at work and watch the savings add up.

Seal your cooling or heating ducts

If you’ve never seen your cooling and heating ducts or recently moved into your home, you might be surprised how much of your precious conditioned air is leaking into your attic — and out into the world. For the adventurous types, you can seal them yourself (assuming you don’t mind crawling around in your attic). Be sure to check all flanges (the part where the duct meets your ceiling vents). For the less adventurous types, call a professional. Protip: Be careful where you walk while up in your attic — only step on well-supported beams to avoid costly damage to your ceiling.

Preventing Electrical Hazards in your Home or Business

Numerous electrical hazards exist in your home or business. Identifying these problems and following the tips on this page is a good way to prevent fires or electrocution.

1. Mind Your Extension Cords

Never run extension cords under carpet or through doorways — crushing extension cables can short wires together and cause an electrical fire. Additionally, an enclosed space such as under carpet traps heat and increases the risk of fire.

Never use extension cords in their “coiled” state — always unravel extension cords fully. This is to prevent fire as a result of heat generated from coiled cable. This is why it is important to use an extension cord that’s the correct length (your extension cord arsenal should not consist of a single cord).

Don’t go “overboard” with one extension cord. If you’re already running multiple lights or power tools and are thinking about plugging in your air compressor, think again. Extension cords are relatively inexpensive and it’s always safer to run a second cord (preferably to a separate outlet).

Extension cords are not meant to be a permanent installation. Many people think that if there isn’t an outlet near the area they need power, they can run an extension cord and leave it there for years. This is not good practice; extension cords are often worn and their conductors degraded. Having a licensed and insured electrician add a new outlet to your home is a quick and inexpensive alternative.

2. Replace Worn Electrical Outlets and Faceplates

If you have an outlet or two that have stopped working and you’ve reset your circuit breaker to no avail, it’s probably a good idea to have an electrician investigate. This could be an indicator of a problem that may result in damage to your electrical devices or a fire in your home or business. It’s better to play it safe.

Replace any outlet faceplates that are cracked or missing chunks. Faceplates are there not only to prevent your little ones from electrocuting themselves, but also to prevent dust and other particulates from collecting on your outlet’s electrical contacts.

3. Test All GFCI Outlets

These are the outlets in your kitchen or bathroom with the “Test” and “Reset” buttons. If you’ve never used the “Test” button, give it a shot. Plug anything into one of these outlets and hit the “Test” button. If the device does not turn off, it’s time to replace the GFCI outlet.

4. Check Light Fixtures

Light bulbs (especially incandescent/non-CFL bulbs) can generate quite a bit of heat. Check electrical fixtures around your home for particles and dust that have built up around bulbs. A commonly overlooked area is exterior lights that can collect leaves, going unnoticed for years.