Surprisingly, compact fluorescent lamps are not a new invention. There were originally developed in response to the 1973 Oil Crisis. Since these new bulbs were far more energy efficient than the traditional light bulbs, there were high hopes for their success. However, the compact fluorescent lamps were far from cost effective and could not compete in the marketplace.

For the past several years, the prices for compact fluorescent lamp bulbs were quite stratospheric. As recently as only a few years ago, the cost of the bulbs was around $20. That put them well out of the range of affordability for most people. Recently, the bulbs have dropped significantly in price and can be purchased for around $5.

Yes, it is true that that $5 is more than the cost of an incandescent light bulb. However, there is a significant benefit to purchasing compact fluorescent lamp bulbs. Namely, they last upwards of ten times longer than a traditional light bulb. That means for every ten incandescent bulbs you purchase, you will only need one fluorescent lamp bulb. Over time, that can be a significant savings!

Speaking of savings, compact fluorescent lamps use significantly less energy than a traditional bulb while delivering the same results. For example, a 25 watt compact fluorescent lamp bulb provides the same amount of light of as a 100 watt incandescent bulb. This leads to an enormous amount of savings on your electricity bill. Again, this is a bulb that truly pays for itself.

Of course, the compact fluorescent lamp bulb low use of electricity also aids in conservation. Electricity is mostly derived from coal. When you overuse electricity, you contribute to the further depletion of coal resources. You are also contributing to all the environmental problems burning coal is known to cause. Through using a compact fluorescent lamp bulb you significantly cut back on energy expenditures which, in turn, reduce many threats to the environment.

Some concerns about the presence of mercury have been raised. This is understandable as mercury can be a hazardous substance. However, the amount of mercury present in a single bulb is rather minimal. If a large volume of bulbs were broken and placed in trash bins, for example, the collection of mercury could prove very dangerous. So, a little common sense needs to be employed with the disposal and storage of the bulbs. But, once again, a single bulb will not yield enough mercury to present a serious, dangerous hazard.

Currently, compact fluorescent lamps are slated to be the primary light bulbs used in Great Britain. Simultaneously, the usage of the lamps in the United States, Canada, and elsewhere is experiencing great expansions. Perhaps, in only a matter of a few years, the compact fluorescent light bulb will completely replace the traditional bulb. Then again, why shouldn’t it? It has a lot of value.