In many homeowner associations, light bulb replacement continues like the Sorcerer's Apprentice: it burns out, you replace it, it burns out, you replace it, it...well, you get the picture. When it comes to servicing exterior lighting, there are a variety of considerations such as:

1. Do the bulbs provide enough light for security and safety?
2. What does burn-out replacement cost in time and money?
3. How much do the bulbs themselves cost?
4. How long do they last?
5. What is the energy cost?

Fortunately, there is a handy solution that maximizes utility while minimizing cost called Compact Fluorescent bulbs. They come in many sizes and shapes that fit your existing fixtures.

Let's do a little comparison between Incandescent Bulbs (IB) and Compact Fluorescents Bulbs (CF) and be amazed. Exterior garage, entry and porch lights are often lit by 60W IBs with an average life of 750 hours versus a 13W CF that has a life of 10,000 hours (13 times more). Used 12 hours a day, an IB will last about 2 months while a CF lasts over 2 years.

Let's assume that exterior lights burn 4380 hours a year (12 hours/day average). An IB will use 262 kilowatts versus 57 kilowatts for the CF. At 6¢/kilowatt hour (Portland area power cost) that's an energy cost of $15.78/year versus $3.42 (a $12.36 per bulb savings/year). Multiply the total number of 60W IBs times $12.36 you have and be impressed at the savings. For example, if there are 100 bulbs, the annual energy savings is over $1200!

While CFs are more expensive than IBs (around $4 each versus 50¢) the extra long life, reduced bulb changes and brighter light more than make up for the cost difference. Watt a difference!

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