According to www.energystar.gov, a government program offers energy efficient solutions: “If every home replaced just one light bulb with an Energy Star [compact fluorescent light bulb], we would save enough energy to light more than 2.5 million homes for a year and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of nearly 800,000 cars.”

So, replacing light bulbs could be an enlightening experience both for the environment and your wallet.

“Compact fluorescent light bulbs are the wave of the future,” said Jim Chilsen, spokesman for the Citizens Utility Board, a part of the Northern Illinois Energy Project. “They have to be a major part of any home.”

Compact fluorescent light bulbs use 75 percent less energy than standard bulbs and can save $11 a bulb per year on your electrical bill, he said.

Although compact fluorescent bulbs are pricier than standard incandescent bulbs, Chilsen said the savings more than make up the difference.

“[Compact fluorescent light bulbs are] no longer a luxury item,” Chilsen said.

Donald Zinger, NIU associate professor of electrical engineering, said compact fluorescent bulbs are “better if they are in a place where on for long times.”

Regular bulbs use a lot of energy to heat up the element, and fluorescent bulbs are more efficient because they ionize gas, Zinger said.

Zinger said compact fluorescent bulbs used to be very expensive, but are now very reasonable and “worthwhile in the long run.”

Some compact fluorescent bulbs may not reach full brightness immediately, according to Zinger.

“It may depend on the brand, but some seem to get brighter after time,” Zinger said.

Compact fluorescent light bulbs aren’t just for home use either.

“Businesses like them because they don’t have to change them as frequently,” said Hans Detweiler, deputy director of the Bureau of Energy and Recycling at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Although use of compact fluorescent light bulbs is increasing, Detweiler said, “We have a long way to go.”