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Recently in one weekend the two main news papers in New Zealand ran numerous articles on Energy Saving Bulbs, two alone in one addition of the Sunday star (22 June) times and a very sizable article in the Herald (21 June) , starting on the front page. All this in just one weekend. The Nations talk back radio shows have been abuzz with conversations on CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Light). The humble light bulb it appears is nearing the end of its days.
The positives on these Energy Saving bulbs far outweigh's the negatives, but in order to move on we must address these negatives. Since the early days of CFLs there have been marked improvements in the end product. The newer generations of CFLs have addressed issues such as dullness, ballast shape, awkward shaped glass, longevity, slow start ups and flickering. It is a bit unfortunate that some of us have had a bad taste left in our mouth from the first or the cheap CFLs on the market. There is now very few grumbles from households that have switched to the latest Energy Saving bulbs.
With the energy crisis that NZ is currently facing the government has swung into action with a campaign to get households into the habit of conserving energy. Not surprisingly this campaign has had an affect, according to the latest figures gleaned from various radio reports we already have a 2.5% reduction in power use, this is happening as it gets colder. That’s a feat on its own. This then makes it very clear that the public is behind the campaign. But, if we look at the math its not only an aid for the power companies dwindling resources, it’s a real aid for our pockets also, an old fashioned incandescent bulb is costing you on average $21.00 a year to run, using a CFL in its place will set you back about $5.00 per year, per bulb. Calculate an entire household's worth, and the savings really stack up. This is a saving that our wallets will welcome when it comes to other necessities such as petrol and groceries.
There are now several collection points running through various local Councils, those that are not yet running these schemes will surely be looking into this soon, as the government is unveiling plans (due to kick in late next year) to phase out ordinary light bulbs. This is part of the main goal to cut lighting energy consumption by 20% by 2015.
All Mitre 10 stores are now stocking the new brand of "SWITCH" CFL's , in this range there is a bulb for just about every application in homes, offices and even sheds. Wattages vary from 11 watts all the way up to 45 watts. All fittings have been taken into consideration, be they down lights or bedside lamps. Two colour options have been included. The warm tones have always been a popular choice with their incandescent glow or go for the white daylight option. Your local Mitre 10 is Switched on in regards to "Switch" CFL's, they can help assist in choosing the right wattages for each homes individual rooms needs.
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