How Much Electricity CFL bulb in Your House Uses

CFL bulbs will provide 10,000 hours of light and use $10.40 of electricity (at 8 cents per kilowatt hour).

To get the same output with incandescents, you would have to use seven bulbs, which would cost less up front, but the electricity would cost $48. 

Replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) is one of the quickest, easiest ways to save money—and a place everyone can start. CFLs use about 75 percent less energy and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. 

This can save you up to $35 in electric costs over the lifetime of each bulb. 

Switching to CFLs in the five most frequently used fixtures in your house will save about $60 per year, according to Energy Star. Choose CFLs with the Energy Star label to get the greatest savings. 

Energy Star products have to meet energy-efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and the Department of Energy. 

When you shop, keep in mind that light fixtures with dimmers require special CFLs; read the label. 

When your CFLs are finally spent, recycle them (to find locations, check with your trash hauler or local government).