I read in your column that compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) give off far less heat than incandescent bulbs. So, won’t my heating bills go up if I replace my incandescent bulbs with CFLs?

A little. But you’ll offset that cost with lower electricity costs; as much as 75% off the lighting portion of your electric bill. You see, the warmth coming off a traditional light bulb (it uses only 10% of its energy to create light; the rest is lost as heat) is generated by electricity, which typically is more expensive than the fuel you use in your central heating system or wood stove. So, it makes financial sense to swap out your incandescents for CFLs.

Keep in mind that it also makes good sense to get rid of your incandescents now instead of waiting for them to burn out. You’ll spend less buying new CFLs than you’ll spend keeping incandescents lit. CFLs also can last as much as 10-times as long, so you’ll need to buy fewer bulbs over the years. And don’t forget outdoor fixtures; CFLs work out there too. Just make sure the starting temperature on the box matches Vermont’s coldest outdoor temperatures.

- Li Ling for The Home Team

Our electric bills are high and I know a good part of it is how much my daughter uses her hair dryer. Are there good, energyefficient hairdryers out there?

Hand-held hair dryers are pretty similar when it comes to energy use. A typical model uses about 1,200 watts on high. At 10 minutes per day, it will use six kilowatt hours per month. That’s about 1% of the average Vermont household’s monthly electric bill. Sure, it’s logical to use a hairdryer or any electric device only as much as necessary. But focusing only on the hairdryer isn’t likely to be the most effective energy-saving action you can take. There are bigger energy using fish to fry.

I suggest taking two steps. First, swap your incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). You’ll reduce the lighting portion of your electric bill by as much as 75%. Second, find the biggest energy users in your house. You can start by borrowing a plug-in meter, from Efficiency Vermont, that will show you how much energy is used by electrically-powered household products. You can then discuss your results with an Efficiency Vermont Customer Service Specialist, who can help you determine the solutions that will give you the most savings for your time and money. Best of luck with your efforts.

- Bob for The Home Team