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