Most people would give all they own to use 75 percent less energy and generate 75 percent less heat in their homes.

Well, there’s one improvement, the compact fluorescent light bulb, which accomplishes those energy-saving goals for only pennies more than the standard incandescent light bulb.

Keisa Sharpe, a spokesperson for Alabama Power, uses the compact fluorescent light bulbs in her home and found the savings worth much more than the initial costs. Another key to the financial advantage is she doesn’t have to change out light bulbs as often.

“Some I haven’t changed in a year,” she said.

Alabama Power recommends the compact fluorescent light bulb as an energy-saving mechanism to its customers, chiefly because a lower-wattage compact florescent bulb generates as much light output as a much higher-wattage incandescent bulb.

For instance, consumers could replace a 60-watt incandescent bulb with a nine-watt compact florescent bulb and generate the same light output.

“Also, in these tough economic times, everyone wants to know how to save money,” Sharpe said.

Manufacturers of the compact florescent bulb suggest consumers use them where lights are on the most: family and living rooms, kitchens, dining rooms and the porch.

Consumers also will want to use these bulbs on open fixtures that allow airflow: table lamps, floor lamps, wall sconces, pendants and open ceiling fixtures.

Sharpe said Alabama Power recommends the cost-saving measures as “part of being a good steward environmentally.”

The less power an individual uses, the less the company has to generate and the fewer power plants must be built, she said.

Some environmentalists have raised issues about the mercury contained the compact fluorescent light bulbs. The key to proper disposal is recycling the bulbs. Manufacturers say about 4 milligrams of mercury is sealed within the glass tubing, that’s much more than the old thermometers had (500 milligrams).

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association says some makers of the compact fluorescent light bulbs have reduced the mercury content to 1.4 to 2.5 milligrams per bulb.

Larger cities have places for recycling the bulbs. The nearest recycling center for the Selma area is The Home Depot in Montgomery or Prattville.