How would a $10.00 compact fluorescent light bulb (15 W) be an overall money saver compared to an incandescent light bulb (60 W) that costs $0.50?
whos here because this is a question on their test and found the complete opposite of what they needed here?
To assess whether a compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) is a money saver compared to an incandescent light bulb, we need to consider both the upfront cost and the long-term savings. Here's how you can calculate it:
1. Calculate the energy consumption:
- CFL: 15 Watts
- Incandescent: 60 Watts
2. Determine the electricity rate:
- You can find this on your electricity bill. For example, let's assume it is $0.12 per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
3. Calculate the annual energy consumption for each bulb:
- CFL: 15 Watts * 1 hour per day * 365 days = 5,475 Watt-hours or 5.475 kWh
- Incandescent: 60 Watts * 1 hour per day * 365 days = 21,900 Watt-hours or 21.9 kWh
4. Calculate the annual cost for each bulb:
- CFL: 5.475 kWh * $0.12/kWh = $0.657 per year
- Incandescent: 21.9 kWh * $0.12/kWh = $2.628 per year
5. Calculate the lifespan of each bulb:
- CFL: Let's assume it lasts 10,000 hours
- Incandescent: Let's assume it lasts 1,000 hours
6. Determine the number of bulb replacements during the lifespan:
- CFL: 10,000 hours / 1 hour per day = 10,000 days
- Incandescent: 1,000 hours / 1 hour per day = 1,000 days
7. Calculate the total cost over the lifespan:
- CFL: $10.00 for the bulb + ($0.657 per year * 10,000 days / 365 days) = $17.96
- Incandescent: $0.50 for the bulb + ($2.628 per year * 1,000 days / 365 days) = $9.07
From the calculations above, you can see that even though the CFL has a higher upfront cost, it can result in long-term savings. Over the lifespan, the CFL would cost approximately $17.96, while the incandescent would cost $9.07.
Therefore, in this scenario, the $10.00 CFL would be an overall money saver compared to the $0.50 incandescent bulb.
thanks a lot! you gave me some good ideas! and i agree with you about the fluorescent light bulbs. They don't last as long as the box says
Another thought. Incandescent bulbs don't pollute the environment with mercury. Most fluorescent bulbs(I don't know if all do or not) have mercury in them.
This is my personal opinion but I don't think they are. My experience is that the new fluorescent bulbs don't live up to the hype on the box. Supposedly those incandescent bulbs burn out faster and it takes several to last as long as the newer fluorescent bulbs. In addition, that 15 W bulb uses only about 1/4 the energy of a 60W bulb so it saves on the electric bill (that part is true). But the problem comes in the hype of how long those fluorescent bulbs will last. My experience is that those bulbs (and they are VERY expensive) will not last the six-seven years as advertised. Some of mine have lasted less than a year and none have lasted more than two years. Frankly, I don't think that's worth the added cost (3-4x the cost of the incandescent bulbs). One prominent manufacturer advertised that if the new lamp doesn't last at least xxxx years, just return it. When I tried to follow up, I paid the postage to return the old bulb, I paid the postage for the new bulb,
AND I had to have the original receipt showing when I had purchased the bulb. It was cheaper to buy a new bulb and not fuss with the return. I know this is not the answer you and your prof are looking for but it's my opinion and my answer to the question. Other tutors may differ. Such is life, I suppose.