Compact Fluorescents

Compact Fluorescent Lamps

Compact fluorescent lamps, or CFLs, use one fourth as much energy, last ten times longer than incandescent lamps, and are available in a number of sizes and shapes. CFLS can fit almost any fixture.  Replacing your incandescent lamps with compact fluorescent lamps is a simple way to save energy and money.

Common Concerns about CFLs

Flickering. Most new CFLs have electronic ballasts and light immediately.  They do not flicker or hum like older models with magnetic ballasts.

Dimmers. Dimmable fluorescents cost more than regular CFLs, but they are available.  Check the label for this feature.

Outdoor Use. Some models for outdoor use are available.  CFLs are designed for certain temperature ranges that are specified on the packaging.  Make sure the minimum temperature requirements are met, and install outdoor CFLs in enclosed fixtures to protect them from the elements.

Mercury.  One CFL contains an average of 4 milligrams of mercury (enough to cover the tip of a ballpoint pen) sealed within its glass tubing.  This mercury is necessary and is part of what makes CFLs energy efficient light sources.  In the past year, though, manufacturers have successfully reduced the mercury content of CFLs by 20%, in some cases achieving levels of 1.4-2.5 milligrams of mercury per light bulb.  Since no mercury is released while the bulbs are in use, CFLs pose no threat as long as they are intact.

Consumers should handle CFLs with care so as not to break the glass.
Be careful when removing the bulb from its packaging, installing it, or replacing it.
Always screw and unscrew the light bulb by its base, not the glass.
Never forcefully twist the CFL into a light socket.
Properly dispose of CFLs when you are finished with them.

Disposal/Recycling.  For information about recycling CFLs, visit: Bulb Recycling.

Quick Links:
How to buy?
Energy-Saving Tips
How much can I save?

How to buy?

You can find CFLs in hardware stores, home improvement stores, and most drug stores or grocery stores that sell light bulbs.  The following are some tips for purchasing CFLs:

CFLs can be used indoors or outdoors.   CFLs are especially convenient in hard-to-reach areas since they do not need to be replaced as often as incandescent bulbs.
Look for the light output, when shopping for CFLs, you want to find a model that gives off the same amount of light as the incandescent bulb you are replacing.  You can find light output equivalency charts right on the packaging.

Choose the color of light you want.  Color temperature is measured in degrees Kelvin (K).  It affects the color tones of the objects being viewed.  Most CFLs offer soft white or warm white light (2,700K-3,000K), which works well in most residential settings.  CFLs with higher color temperatures (3,500K, 4,100K, 5,000K, and 6,500K) are also available.  These bulbs emit a bluish-white light and are usually identified as “bright white,” “natural,” or, “daylight.”

Back to top

Energy-Saving Tips

By replacing your standard incandescent bulbs with halogen bulbs, you can make your lighting more energy efficient, but a smarter, more efficient choice would be to replace your incandescent lighting with fluorescent lighting.  For the same price as a tungsten halogen bulb, you can purchase a compact fluorescent bulb that is four times as energy efficient.

If every American home replaced one standard incandescent light bulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified CFL, the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions would be the same as taking over 800,000 cars off the road.

Back to top

How much can I save?

Save money, each ENERGY STAR bulb can save you up to $30 in electricity costs over its lifetime. 

Most CFLs save enough electricity to pay for themselves two or three times.

For more information on CFLs please click here.

Back to top