Many people still use standard incandescent light bulbs because they are cheaper to buy than energy saving bulbs. But it’s their only advantage which is also fading out.

The average incandescent bulb lasts only 1,000 hours compared to 8,000 - 15,000 hours for the energy saving one. It also consumes 5 times more electricity than the CFL bulb.

Let’s find out how much 15,000 hours of lighting would cost you if the average price for 1 kWh of electricity was £0.09

Standard incandescent 100W light bulb

Cost £0.26
You would need 15 of them because they last only 1,000 hours

During those hours they will consume electricity worth 15000 x 0.1 x 0.09 = £135.00
Cost for 15 light bulbs is 0.26 x 15 = £3.90

The overall cost would be £138.90

CFL 20W (Equivalent to 100 watt Lightbulb) with lifespan of 15,000 hours

Cost £5.95

During those hours it will consume electricity worth 15000 x 0.02 x 0.09 = £27.00

The overall cost would be £32.95

As you can see, switching to CFL light bulb would in this case save you £105.95.