Did you know compact fluorescent lights come in many shapes and sizes?

We’ve all seen them – those funny looking, swirly light bulbs called “CFLs.” We’ve heard they save energy, but some of us aren’t sure if we like the color of the light they emit or the fact that some don’t turn on instantly. We like our incandescent bulbs and shrink away from the change before us.

But, the facts stare us in the face. An ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) will save about $30 over its lifetime and pay for itself in about six months. And, CFLs use 75 percent less energy and last about 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb.

So, for those of us loving the warm light that glows from our incandescent bulbs, it’s time to take a closer look at CFLs. Happily, I’ve learned there are some CFLs comparable to my incandescent friends.

Color
For me, the most important factor is finding a bulb that emits the light I’ve always known. I’m not a fan of the bright white fluorescent color often seen in office buildings. The good news is that CFLs are available in an array of colors – soft white (warm), bright white (neutral) and daylight (cooler) – just like incandescent bulbs

Shape
At one time, CFLs were only available in a limited number of shapes and sizes. Today, you can find a CFL comparable for almost any incandescent bulb. There are CLFs that are spiral, A-shape, globe, tubed and candle shaped. Additionally, there are indoor and outdoor lights, three-way and dimmable bulbs and bulbs for your ceiling fan.

Instant On
Some people are turned off from CFLs because they worry about having to wait for the light to turn on. But, many manufacturers have recognized this consumer preference and now offer “instant on” bulbs. Be sure to check the packaging for this feature.

Still want more information? Check out the ENERGY STAR Choose A Light Guide. It’s a really cool interactive site where you can actually “try” different bulbs to see how they’ll work in your home.

Clean Energy: Cooking with natural gas

Continuing our focus on clean energy, did you know that cooking with natural gas costs about half as much as with a similar electric range? And, many of the new models of natural gas cooking equipment use an electronic spark ignition, rather than a continuously burning pilot. This saves as much as 30 percent on energy costs!

Natural gas is a clean burning fuel, with 99 percent of the natural gas consumed in the United States coming from North America. And, natural gas ranges, ovens, cook tops and grills are known for operating with high efficiency and reliability.

But what really makes natural gas attractive for cooking, is that it offers precision heat control. In fact, natural gas ranges are preferred by professional chefs! But don’t let that intimidate you. Even those of us whose menus focus more on good spaghetti sauces, baked chicken and simple cakes/cookies know that natural gas offers unparalleled temperature control and instant on/off settings for superior cooking and baking.

Want to learn more about how to cook with natural gas? Come visit us at the Charleston Wine and Food Festival, March 4-7, at Marion Square in downtown Charleston. Look for the SCE&G tent!

Managing hot water costs can impact your bills

Did you know that heating the water in your home makes up 14 percent or more of your utility bill each month? It comes in second only to the heating and cooling of your home. While 14 percent may not sound like much, there are ways to help keep your water heating expenses in check.

First, regardless of the type of unit you have (tank or tankless), make sure your water heater is set to 120˚F or lower. This setting is typically plenty warm for any of your household needs. However, if you have a dishwasher with a heat booster you’ll need to refer to the owner’s manual to be sure a higher setting is not required.

Second, you may consider adding a water heater tank insulation wrap if your unit is more than 5-8 years old. Adding a tank insulation wrap is an easy “do-it-yourself” project if you have an electric tank unit. If you have a natural gas tank water heater, we recommend that you contact a professional to help you install the wrap to avoid any contact with the burner and make sure the insulation wrap is installed safely.

Also, it is important to visually inspect your water heater from time to time for any leaks, rust or other abnormalities. If your unit is not functioning properly, it could be costing you extra money each month.

If you’re in the market to replace your water heater, consider a natural gas hot water heater and learn about the benefits of tank and tankless water heaters. Additionally, you’ll want to read about the S.C. Department of Energy Appliance Rebate program and the federal energy tax credit.

Do you qualify for the federal energy tax credits?

If you’re like me, you’re scurrying about trying to get all of your paperwork together so you can file your taxes and get your tax return as soon as possible. But, don’t forget to pull any receipts for home improvements you made last year. If you purchased an energy-efficient product or renewable energy system for your home, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit.

The Basics
Consumers who purchased and installed specific products, such as energy-efficient windows, insulation, doors, roofs, and heating and cooling equipment in the home can receive a tax credit of up to $1,500 for the 2009 and 2010 tax years.

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 provides a credit equal to 30 percent of qualifying expenditures for purchase for qualified photovoltaic property and for solar water heating property used exclusively for purposes other than heating swimming pools and hot tubs. The credit shall not exceed $2,000.

Improvements must be installed in or on the taxpayer’s principal residence in the United States. Home improvement tax credits now apply for improvements made between Jan. 1, 2009 and Dec. 31, 2010.

Also, if you bought or leased a new hybrid gas-electric car or truck, you may be eligible for an income tax credit of $250-$3,400.

For full details visit the ENERGY STAR® Web site. You can also check out the Tax Incentive Assistance Project (TAIP).