Inspired by its subjects, this post combines two links into one. The first challenges the atmospheric friendliness of compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). With longer life spans and improved light efficacy over incandescents, CFLs are widely acknowledged as a superior alternative for environmental sustainability. They use less electricity, which means less coal needs to be burned, which means less carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere, right? Not so fast says a recent Canadian study. Since they use less energy, CFLs inherently generate less radiant heat. In Northern climates, like Canada, or Wisconsin, the less home lighting and appliance heat, the more a furnace needs to operate in order to maintain a higher indoor temperature. For units dependant on fossil fuels, like natural gas, longer operating times equal more greenhouse gases released. Though with proper insulation and air sealing, longer heating times should be less frequent. To blower door, or not to blower door? For many homeowners, that is the question. Link two lays out the value of home energy audits.
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