You may know people who are hesitant to switch to those new swirly light bulbs.  Why?  In most circumstances, it’s simply a case of misperceptions and outdated reasons.

Myth: CFLs produce a harsh blue light.
Truth: CFLs nowadays are engineered specifically for consumers expecting “soft white” light that mimics natural sunlight and the warm light of incandescent bulbs.  CFLs with a value of 2,700 to 3,000 Kelvin (K) have a warmer, yellower color; higher K values will emit a bluer or whiter light.  Energy Star rated CFLs will have their Kelvin value listed on the packaging.

Myth: CFLs flicker when they first light.
Truth: That happened in earlier CFLs with magnetic ballasts. New ones use electronic ballasts, which do not flicker.

Myth: CFLs need time to turn on.
Truth: Turn-on is now nearly instant. But most CFLs tested took about 30 seconds to reach 80 percent of their brightness.

Myth: CFLs can’t be dimmed or used in 3-way fixtures.
Truth: Early CFLs did not have dimming capabilities. The technology has evolved, however, to suit a number a lighting needs.  Look carefully at the packaging for those made specifically to work with dimmers or 3-way fixtures.

Myth: CFLs are expensive and won’t save money.
Truth: While CFLs cost more than incandescent bulbs to purchase, their energy efficiency and longevity make up for the cost differential. A CFL uses about 75% less energy than a standard incandescent and can last up to 10 times longer, saving about $30 over the course of its lifetime.

Myth: CFLs are a major safety hazard because they contain mercury.
Truth: Yes, CFLs contain tiny amounts of mercury; however they are not a major safety hazard.  If you break a CFL, use common sense to clean (open windows, clean up, and remove the debris).  Your exposure to mercury will be minimal – the equivalent of taking a tiny nibble of tuna, according to a staff scientist at Berkeley Lab

SmartPop®, Smart Car…smart appliances? This year General Electric plans to unveil a new line of appliances that will actually talk (well, kind of) to utility companies. Technology within these new washers, dishwashers, microwaves, and refrigerators will enable them to speak to a smart electric meter, which in turn will communicate with the local utility.

Why? Partly to prevent the brownouts and blackouts that can happen during peak hours. Mostly to save on energy bills. Utilities will ask (nicely) that appliances power down a bit at peak times, or delay a wash cycle. This slight powering down or delay decreases power usage during peak times, which in turn reduces a utility’s need to generate more power and helps consumers save on energy bills. Sounds fairly intelligent.

Participants in the GE smart appliance pilot reportedly noticed little difference in using their microwave oven, range and refrigerator under the program. Some made fairly unobtrusive lifestyle switches: delaying the dishwasher cycle until 10 pm, doing laundry on weekends, fixing dinner before 6PM. Talking appliances that save money, energy, and encourage people to live more sustainably? If they make them any smarter, they’ll make us do the dishes.

To read more, check out the GE press release here or see TreeHugger’s comments here.