What’s the deal with these funny new Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) anyway?

Swapping regular bulbs for compact fluorescents can save you at least $30 per bulb over the life of a compact fluorescent lightbulb. The latest bulbs are much better than earlier ones, but there are still myths surrounding these bulbs.

Myths about Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs):

Myth: Recycling Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs is too hard
Reality: You shouldn’t throw used CFLs out with the trash. Bring them into us. We at True Value, and other retailers who ssell light bulbs accept unbroken CFLs no matter where you bought them.

Myth: Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs are expensive
Reality: Some CFLs now cost less than $1 compared with $9 to $25 ten years ago. And they last 5 to 10 times longer than regular light bulbs. Energy Star-qualified models use up to 75 percent less power. 

Myth: Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs produce an odd light 
Reality: Many CFLs now produce light like ordinary bulbs. Those with a 2,700 to 3,000 Kelvin (K) number have a warmer, yellower color; 3,500 K to 6,500 K bulbs emit a bluer or whiter light. Energy Star CFLs must include the Kelvin number on the package as of December. Look for CFLs labeled “soft” or “warm” white for light like an incandescent’s, and choose “bright white,” “natural,” or “daylight” for whiter light.

Myth: Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs contain dangerous mercury
Reality: CFLs contain a tiny fraction of the mercury used in the old-time fever thermometers. Energy Star CFLs require 5 milligrams or less for bulbs that use less than 25 watts. 

Myth: You need to put on a hazmat suit if you accidentally break one of these bulbs
Reality: Exposure to broken CFLs can pose a health risk, especially to a fetus or young child. But don’t panic. Open a window, shut off central A/C or forced-air heating, and clear the room for at least 15 minutes as the Environmental Protection Agency recommends. Read “How to Clean Up a Broken CFL” for more details. It’s always a good idea to keep Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs out of lamps that could easily tip, especially in rooms used often by children or pregnant women.

More Information About Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs:

Congress passed a law in 2007 phasing out conventional light bulbs. Manufacturers will no longer be able to make the 100-watt Thomas Edison bulb after Jan. 1, 2012, followed by the 75-watt version in Jan. 2013, and the the 60- and 40-watt bulbs in Jan. 2014.

The goal of this legislation is to produce light bulbs that:

• Last Longer
• Save Money
• Save Energy, and
• Reduce Carbon Emissions

Compared to the old-fashioned light bulbs giving the same amount of visible light, CFLs use less power and have a longer rated life. In the United States, a CFL has a slightly higher purchase price than a regular light bulb, but can save over US$40 in electricity costs over the lamp’s lifetime. Like all fluorescent lamps, CFLs contain mercury, which complicates their disposal. (If you have any questions just call us or bring it in we’ll take care of it for you).

Image Sourced from Wikipedia: Net mercury emissions for CFL and incandescent lamps, based on EPA FAQ sheet, assuming average U.S. emission of 0.012 mg of mercury per kilowatt-hour and 14% of CFL mercury contents escapes to environment after land fill disposal.

If you have any questions about how to dispose of CFLs or any other questions relating ot Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs, please contact us today.

Container Gardening is not as hard as it looks

When it comes to fresh and local — what’s better than your own back porch or window sill?

For those of us who live in the city, in an apartment or a condo, with very limited outdoor space it has always been difficult to grow vegetables. But small space gardening is possible and well worth the effort, so you can eat healthier and tastier veggies without spending a bundle at the supermarket.

Container Gardening is a great way to fill up those small outdoor spaces

If you have a small patio or a balcony or even a small patch of yard, you can do container gardening. Growing vegetables need 6 hours or more of sunlight, sufficient watering and good drainage so keep this in mind when planning your container garden. It’s always best to start small, and you could start with some herbs, tomato plants, and peppers. 

Container Gardening: What you need to get started

1. Containers or Flower Boxes – Different plants require different sizes of containers. Smaller containers (gallon jugs) such can be used to grow herbs, lettuce, spinach, peppers, green onions, dwarf tomatoes, etc. You can use larger containers (10 gallons or more) to grow cabbage, larger tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, etc.  
2. Soil - It is a good idea to use a good potting soil mix (available at your local hardware store) to use in your containers.  One thing to keep in mind is that garden soil may not drain well in most containers, so make sure your containers have holes at the bottom for excess water to drain out.  If you compost, you will have ready- made organic fertilizer to use, otherwise you can buy pre-packaged compost.
3. Seeds – Refer to your seed packet or starter plant instructions for more information, or simply ask us. Typically you want 4 to 6 weeks to prepare tomato plants for the ideal planting time, which is 2 weeks from the latest frost (which in Boston is May 3rd, so you can start planting in mid-May).
4. Water – What is ‘good’ gardening water? Rain water is perfect for just about all plants. It is salt-free and often mildly acidic; just to a plant’s liking – hence the popularity of rain water collection. Another great source of water for your plants is to recycle water from your dehumidifier. If you must use tap water, let it sit in gallon jugs for a day or two to let the extra chlorine will dissipate.

 Window Sill Gardening: Nature on a window sill

 If you do not have a patio or a balcony to do container gardening, you can still grow organic veggies on your window sill. Same principles apply, although your options in the kind of vegetables you can grow will be limited to smaller plants. Still, you should be able to grow salad greens and some tomatoes. With a Flower Box and some brackets you can be gardening before you know it.

 Container Gardening: Just Keep it simple

If this is your first time trying container gardening, keep it simple, some produce can be more temperamental than others to grow and you want it to be easy and fun. A great benefit of container gardening is the ability to move the containers around to maximize sunlight if your primary location does not get enough.

In terms of life’s simple pleasures, there’s little that compares to making a salad with fresh vegetables that you’ve grown on your own.  

For more information about Container Gardening, please contact us today.

Weatherstripping and Radiant Barrier Insulation can help you stay warm and save money this winter

Drafts and radiant cold entering your home or apartment during the winter months can cause discomfort and cost you money.

So being prepared, and sealing your home with weatherstripping can make you feel more comfortable, and help you save money on utility bills.

The Department of Energy estimates that inadequate insulation in the floors, walls or ceilings amounts to nearly one-third of air leakage, while ducts, fireplaces and plumbing add up to nearly 45%. Leakage from doors and windows amount to 10% each.

There are two types of cold that can enter your home, cause discomfort, and cost you money: (1) Drafts ~If you can can feel cold air coming in around doors and windows on a windy way, and (2) Radiant Cold~This is the type of cold that comes through windows.

The Back Bay Guide to Weatherstripping Read the rest of this entry

These Apartment and Dorm Room Essentials Will Make Your Life Easier

Don't forget your dorm room essentials

As an incoming freshman or a returning student, you are probably excited to get away from home and start enjoying indendent life in a dorm or apartment.

But in preparing for college move-in day, you probably haven’t given much thought to the Dorm Room Essentials that can make your living space more livable.

Apartment and Dorm Room Essentials

A trip to your local hardware store can help you stock up on some very important, yet overlooked items. In addition to your desktop, iPad, and mini-fridge, you might want to make room for the following Dorm Room Essentials:

Here are some Dorm Room Essentials to help you set up your dorm room or apartment Read the rest of this entry

5 Steps to Improve Indoor Air Quality, and enjoy a Healthier Living Space

The air inside your home may be three to five times more polluted than outdoor air.

Our energy efficient windows and doors, with thicker insulation to seal out potential drafts, have helped us lower the cost of energy–but have trapped harmful fumes from building products, furniture, dander, and mildew and mold – inside our living spaces.

Here are five  things you can do to improve our home’s indoor air quality. By following these steps and coupling them with the right indoor air purifying unit, you’ll breathe a lot easier in your own home.

5 Steps to Improve Indoor Air Quality Read the rest of this entry

Stay Safe with this Quick Guide to Prevent Household Fires

The best way to prevent a fire in your home is to be prepared.

You can take safety measures to prevent fires and detect them before they get out of control.

Here are some tips to ensure that you and your family are safe and secure:

7 Steps to Stay Safe and Prevent Household Fires

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Tighten Home Security with these helpful tips

All it takes is one unlocked window or open door to invite an intruder into your home.

Having a secure living space doesn’t require barred windows or solid-steel entry doors. You can choose security options that fit your home’s decor. Interior window locks as well as light fixtures and door handles are available in a wide variety of styles and finishes to suit your tastes.

Here are three easy things you can do to tighten up your home’s security:

3 Tips to Tighten Home Security

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Prep for Painting - Better Painting Starts with Better Prep

In the Back Bay, September is the number one month for painting, so if you’ve given some thought to adding a little color to your life, preparation is 90 percent of the job. When you’re ready to start your project, consider these professional tips:

How to Prep for Painting:

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