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One of the fastest, simplest ways to save energy is by switching to compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs for lighting your home or business. These efficient bulbs provide light comparable to that of conventional incandescent bulbs while using a fraction of the electricity.
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Energy-Efficient Lighting
Compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs offer a number of advantages over traditional incandescent lighting:
- • Efficiency: CFLs are four times more efficient and last up to 10 times longer than incandescents. A 22-watt CFL has about the same light output as a 100-watt incandescent. CFLs use 50-80 percent less energy than incandescents.
- • Less expense: Although initially more expensive, CFLs let you save money in the long run. A single 18-watt CFL used in place of a 75-watt incandescent will save about 570 kilowatt-hours (kWh) over its lifetime. At eight cents per kWh, you would save $45.
- • Reduced air and water pollution: Replacing a single incandescent bulb with a CFL will keep a half-ton of CO2 out of the atmosphere over the life of the bulb. If everyone in the U.S. used energy-efficient lighting, we could retire 90 average-size power plants. Saving electricity reduces CO2 emissions, sulfur oxide, and high-level nuclear waste.
- • High-quality light: Newer CFLs give a warm, inviting light instead of the “cool white” light of older fluorescents. New electronically ballasted CFLs don't flicker or hum.
- • Versatility: CFLs can be applied nearly anywhere that incandescent lights are used. Energy-efficient CFLs can be used in recessed fixtures, table lamps, track lighting, ceiling fixtures, and porch lights. Three-way CFLs are also now available (for lamps with three-way settings), as are dimmable CFLs for lights using a dimmer switch. Your local electric cooperative may offer CFLs to replace your less efficient incandescent bulbs.
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Video
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Q&A: Compact Flourescent Lighting
Why use CFLs?
Lighting takes energy and money, accounting for five to ten percent
of residential electricity consumption among cooperative members.
Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) use up to 75 percent less
electricity than incandescent bulbs and last up to ten times longer,
helping to reduce the costs associated with lighting.
What about mercury and CFLs?
CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury, sealed within the glass tubing—an average
of four milligrams. That’s about the amount that would cover the tip of a ballpoint pen. By
comparison, older thermometers contain about 500 milligrams of mercury—an amount
equal to the mercury in 125 CFLs. Because most of the mercury vapor within a CFL
becomes bound to the inside of the bulb as it is used, only about 11 percent, or 0.44
milligrams, of the mercury remains free in the CFL at the end of its life.
What is the proper disposal CFLs?
Because CFLs contain a small amount of mercury, the Environmental Protection Agency
recommends the following clean-up and disposal methods:
If a CFL burns out:
Recycle used CFLs if you have the option. If recycling is not an option, seal the CFL in two plastic bags
and dispose of it at your local household hazardous waste collection site or place it with your regular trash.
If a CFL breaks:
Do not use a vacuum, broom, or your hands. Open nearby windows and leave the room for 15 minutes.
Sweep up any fragments with a piece of cardboard or stiff paper. Use tape to pick up any remaining
pieces. Wipe area with damp paper towels. Seal everything in two plastic bags and place the bags outside
with your regular trash.
Never burn used or broken CFLs.