Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

CFLs vs. Incandescent Light Bulbs

CFLs last 10 times longerUse roughly ¼ the energyProduce 25% less heat while producing

more light per wattSave YOU $$$

Purchasing CFLsCheck the label

Equivalent incandescent bulb wattageWhere the bulb can be usedIf the bulb is rated as an ENERGY STAR

qualified bulbIf the bulb is “dimmable” or “three-way”

For photo cells, motion sensors, and electric dimmers, check with manufacturer of the control.

ENERGY STARPromotes products which are energy

efficientLook for ENERGY STAR logo on appliances,

computers and electronics, heating and cooling equipment, lighting and fans, and plumbing equipment

www.energystar.gov

Types of CFLsAvailable in a variety of styles, sizes, and

wattagesSpiral-shapedA-shapedGlobe-shapedTubed CandleIndoor reflectorOutdoor reflector

ColorKelvin (K)More yellow-colored – lower K numberWhiter- or bluer-colored – higher K number

Source: www.energystar.gov

Tips for Using CFLs Hold CFL by ballast (white plastic part) not glass

tubing Keep CFLs on for 15 minutes or longer If CFL is NOT marked as “dimmable” or “three-way”

do NOT use in dimmable switch or three-way socket Most CFLs do not work with photo cells, motion

sensors, and electric dimmers – check with manufacturer of these controls

Place CFLs in open fixtures indoors When using CFLs outdoors, check packaging labels

for optimal operating temperatures, and place bulbs inside enclosed fixtures to safeguard from weather

Mercury CFLs do contain a small amount of mercury In U.S., major source of mercury emissions is

electricity use CFLs use less electricity than incandescent

bulbs CFLs result in less total mercury emissions

than incandescent bulbs

The amount of mercury in a CFL is roughly equal to the

amount of ink on the tip of a ballpoint pen.

Cleaning Broken CFLsSaving Money and Energy: Compact

Fluorescent Light Bulbs PublicationENERGY STAR Website www.energystar.govKY Division of Waste Management 502-

564-6716 County Solid Waste Coordinator

Proper Disposal Spent CFLs should be recycled For CFL recycling locations visit/contact:

http://earth911.com/http://www.recycleabulb.com/locations/ Local utility companyCounty Solid Waste Coordinator

In 2008, Home Depot® launched a nation-wide campaign offering

free recycling of spent CFLs. Simply bring your spent CFL to

any Home Depot® location.

Advantages of CFLsCFLs save energySaving energy helps the environmentSaving energy can save YOU moneyCFLs have a longer bulb life than

incandescent bulbsCFLs produce less heat than halogen or

incandescent bulbs

Disadvantages of CFLs CFLs cost more than traditional incandescent bulbs. Many CFLs have an initial low light output meaning that

they have to warm up before they reach their full light potential.

When compared to incandescent bulbs, CFLs have a poorer quality color rendition. Color rendition refers to the light quality, and is defined by the U.S. Department of Energy as “How colors appear when illuminated by a light source.”

Incandescent bulbs project light further than CFLs. CFLs contain mercury, thus they must be disposed of

(recycled) properly. Not all CFLs can be used in a dimmable switch or three-

way socket. CFLs may not work with photo cells, motion sensors, and

electric dimmers.

For more information…www.energystar.govhttp://www.energysavers.gov/ http://www.ca.uky.edu/gogreen/

This presentation was prepared by Ashley Osborne and Tyler Henningsen, Environmental and Natural Resource Issues Task Force. March 2010.

How wonderful it is that nobody need

wait a single moment before

starting to improve the world. 

~Anne Frank