See the light on replacing old bulbs with LED ones

Heloise
Heloise

Dear Heloise: I'd like to suggest a weekend project for your readers. This one will take only a short time: replacing your incandescent light bulbs with LED ones.

LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs have a bright-white light. They are more expensive than traditional incandescent bulbs, if you can even find incandescents-they are being phased out.

The great news is that LED lights, while initially inducing sticker shock at upward of $5 to $20 or more per bulb, will save you money on your energy bill. One study reported that 30 incandescent bulbs in a home costs about $220 per year to operate, while 30 LED lights costs less than $25 per year. That's a big savings!

Traditional incandescent light bulbs generate a lot of heat in the course of producing light, and the bulbs get HOT-this heat generated is a big chunk of what you're paying for. LED bulbs stay more or less cool. And they last a lot longer: An incandescent light bulb can last 1,000 hours; an LED bulb can last 50,000 hours!

Try LED lights-they are magical!-Dan T., Wheeling, W.Va.

Great information! By the way, fluorescent lights are middle-of-the-road between these two; however, they contain mercury. It's your choice.-Heloise

 

PET PAL

Dear Readers: Kelly in South Texas sent a picture of her rat terrier, Rambo, dressed as a pirate for Halloween. He seems to be saying: "Aarrrggghhh! Shiver me timbers! Surrrrrender the treats!" To see Rambo and our other Pet Pals, visit Heloise.com and click on "Pet of the Week."

Do you dress your pets for the holidays? I'm sure they love it! Show us. Email: [email protected]

 

GO MOW

Hello, Heloise: I'd like to share two safety hints for using a push mower to mow a lawn or mulch a yard full of leaves.

Wear shoes that provide traction. A pair of soccer cleats work great, especially on hills, and usually can be found at thrift stores in good condition, and they are inexpensive (thanks to kids growing so quickly!).

Always wear ear protection. Soft-foam earplugs can be found in most big-box stores, and can help prevent hearing problems.

Thanks for all the great ideas!-Marjorie B., Stephens City, Va.

Wear a mask over your mouth and nose to avoid inhaling clippings and allergens.-Heloise

 

ADDRESS THE DOG

Dear Heloise: I read you in the Kennebec Journal (Augusta, Maine). You asked for hints for traveling with pets. If you're on a road trip and stopping at a different site every night, attach a pill bottle to your dog's collar, and insert a slip with your new address and all cellphone numbers in the tube each time you move on.

This way, you can be contacted right away if your dog gets lost.-Chris H. in Maine

 

TUNIC TROUBLE

Dear Heloise: I have several tunic tops with drawstrings around the neck or waist, all with tassels. I put them in a lingerie bag first before washing; this prevents tangling!-Julie S., via email

 

King Features Syndicate

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