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What is a Compact Fluorescent light bulb (CFL) and how do they work? Why should I use CFLs? Where can I install CFLs? Can I use CFLs outside? What is ENERGY STAR? What are the benefits of buying an ENERGY STAR rated fixture? Do CFLs work with dimmer and 3-way switches? How do I choose the best color of CFL? How do I choose the correct wattage of CFL? Do CFLs contain mercury? How should I clean up a broken CFL? Can I recycle my CFLs? Is there a way to calculate my savings from using CFLs? ` What is a Compact Fluorescent light bulb (CFL) and how do they work? CFL stands for Compact Fluorescent Lamp (aka light bulb). CFLs are made up of two parts: a ballast and a gas-filled tube. The CFL ballast drives power to the lamp and regulates the flow of electricity. The electric current is passed through the gas-filled tube, creating an ultraviolet invisible light that excites the phosphor coating on the inside of the tube and produces visible light. Incandescent technology generates light differently. With an incandescent, the electric current runs through a wire filament and heats the filament until it starts to glow. Incandescent bulbs lose up to 90% of their energy as heat. Why should I use CFLs?
Where can I install CFLs? CFLs are an excellent alternative for general ambient lighting. With its medium-screw base, a CFL can be installed in any fixture that houses an incandescent bulb. Many specialty-covered CFLs are available to use in lighting fixtures such as chandeliers, bath vanities and track lighting. To find out more about what type of CFL to use in a particular fixture, visit our How to Choose page. Can I use CFLs outdoors? Yes, CFLs can be used in outdoor fixtures. Choose a CFL product that has been manufactured for outdoor use, as they are specially designed to withstand the elements. What is ENERGY STAR?
What are the benefits of buying an ENERGY STAR rated fixture? ENERGY STAR rated fixtures are a great choice, due in part to the third-party testing that ensures you are using a quality product. ENERGY STAR rated fixtures also have a long lamp life at least 10,000 hours and have a 3 year ballast/2 year lamp warranty. These fixtures are tested to meet minimum requirements for power, noise and color quality. ENERGY STAR fixtures can be found in various styles to fit any decor and are available in “families” of fixtures to create a uniform look throughout your entire home. Find out more about ENERGY STAR fixtures. Do CFLs work with dimmer and 3-way switches? Certain CFLs are specially designed to work with dimmers and 3-way switches. Check the packaging to find out whether the bulb you are choosing has these capabilities. How do I choose the right color of CFL? CFLs come in a wide range of color temperatures. The color temperature refers to the warmness or coolness of the light source. The higher the Kelvin temperature, the cooler (more blue) the light source; the lower the Kelvin temperature, the warmer (more yellow) the light source. Most residential lighting applications use bulbs in the 2700K to 3500K range (warm white); however you can find CFLs that range in color temperature from 2700K-6500K. Click here to see our CFL Color Selection Guide. How do I choose the correct wattage of CFL? Use the 4:1 Watt ratio when replacing incandescent bulbs with CFLs. Be sure to choose a wattage that is less than or equal to the wattage rating on your fixture.
As you can see in the chart above, CFLs give you the same amount of light using much less energy! Do CFLs contain mercury? Yes, CFLs contain a trace amount of mercury (on average about 5 milligrams). This small amount of mercury (equivalent in size to the tip of a ball-point pen) is necessary for the bulb to function correctly. FACT: Using CFLs instead of standard incandescent lights actually results in a net reduction of mercury released. 87% of U.S. mercury emissions come from power generation and the amount of mercury released in generating the power to light an incandescent bulb is greater than the trace amount of mercury in a CFL plus the mercury emitted from the power generated to light it. How should I clean up a broken fluorescent bulb?
Find out more information about the clean-up steps recommended by the EPA if a CFL breaks in your home. Can I recycle my CFLs? Yes, like paint, batteries or any other potentially hazardous materials that you have in your home, CFLs should be properly recycled at the end of their life. Please check with your local solid waste agency or click here for CFL recycling options near you. Is there a way to calculate my savings from using CFLs? Click here to find out how much money and energy a CFL can save you today! |
The ENERGY STAR program, created in 1992, is jointly administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Through this program, a label was created that is awarded to energy efficienct products that meet strict specifications. This label makes it easier for the consumer to identify energy efficient products, now in over 50 categories. 