Do CFLs have a significant impact on your light bill? I just moved into my own apartment, and I've taken quite an interest in being as energy-efficient as possible (simply because, hey - I'm paying the electricity bill now!). I've been wondering - are Compact fluorescent lamp (CFLs) as efficient as they claim to be? I detest the light that they give off, but if they're significantly cheaper to use (especially in contrast to how expensive they are in comparison to normal bulbs), then I might be persuaded to pick up a few. I work almost constantly, so I probably don't use more than 3 or 4 hours of electric light daily, anyway. So, is it worth the investment (and inconvenience)? I'm just a bit skeptical of something that claims to save me money by being 4-6 times the cost of the alternative.

**If saving ~$500usd/year is significant then yes.**

!CFL v LED v INC

Source: Las Vegas Strip: An Energy Consumption Nightmare

**Other tips:**

1. **Smarter Switches**
Install motion-detecting switches that turn off lights when a room is empty.
2. **CPU Myth**
Shut down your PC if it will be idle more than 2 hours. The idea that turning a computer off and on shortens its life is a relic of the mainframe era.
3. **Bright Idea**
Use compact fluorescent bulbs. New models illuminate just as well as incandescents -- and operate on just over one quarter of the power.
4. **Cold Truth**
Keep your refrigerator or freezer full; it operates more efficiently that way. Low on food? Keep a container of ice in the freezer.



Source: Popular Mechanics