Frequently Asked Questions
What is a compact fluorescent light bulb?
A compact fluorescent light bulb, or CFL, is an energy-efficient bulb that can replace many standard incandescent bulbs. They last 10 times longer, use 75% less energy, and will save you money on your electric bill.
How do CFLs work?
CFL’s consist of two parts - a gas-filled tube and a magnetic or electronic ballast. The gas in the tube glows with ultraviolet light when electricity from the ballast flows through it. This in turn excites a white phosphor coating on the inside of the tube, which emits visible light throughout the surface of the tube. Incandescent bulbs work differently. Most of the electricity they use heats a tungsten filament until it glows white hot. As a result, incandescent bulbs generate far more heat than a fluorescent bulb. Since the light source is a single point, incandescents also project light further than CFLs that project a more diffuse light.
Why are CFLs more energy efficient?
CFLs are more energy efficient because they use less energy to provide the same amount of light. Fluorescent bulbs use discharge technology, which uses energy to create an arc of excited mercury vapor across the bulb. Less energy is needed to maintain this arc than to keep an incandescent filament burning. To provide less energy to the bulb, the bulb is designed to operate on high frequency electronics that reduce the energy used by the bulb.
Why use CFLs?
CFL'S bearing the ENERGY STAR label use 75% less energy than traditional bulbs, can lasts up to 10 times longer, save $35 or more on energy costs over their lifetime, and generate 90% less heat. If every American swapped just ONE traditional bulb for a CFL, it would collectively eliminate the building of 8 fossil fuel power plants, prevent burning 30 Billion pounds of coal, save $8 billion in energy costs, and remove 2 million cars worth of greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere.
What are the advantages of using CFLs over incandescent bulbs?
• CFL’s last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs
• CFL’s use about 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs
• CFL’s produce 90% less heat, while producing more light per watt than incandescent bulbs
• CFL’s will save you money on your electric bill!
Where can I install CFLs?
CFLs can be installed indoors or outdoors. The package will indicate where the CFL can be used. You’ll find CFLs to fit almost all fixtures, from ceiling units to standing bulbs. A good idea is to start installing CFLs in areas where the lights are on longest, such as the kitchen, family room and outdoors. Many people install CFLs in hard-to-reach areas because they don’t have to be changed as often.
Can I use them outside?
You can use them in enclosed fixtures outside, but CFLs should not be used in exposed fixtures outdoors.
Do CFLs work with dimmer and three-way switches?
Some CFLs are specially designed to work with dimmers and three-way switches. Check the package to make sure.
Do CFLs contain mercury?
Click here for information about CFLs and mercury.
Sources:
Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) Frequently Asked Questions. http://www.earthdayny.org/assets/CFL's%20FAQ%20sheet.pdf
Natural Resources Canada - Office of Energy Efficiency (2007). http://www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/energystar/english/consumers/questions-answers.cfm
Screw the Future (2008).
http://www.screwthefuture.com/faqs.html
Sylvania - Frequently Asked Questions About Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs. http://content.sylvania.com/app/display.aspx?id=003694035
Lighting Fact:
The average home has approximately 30 lights. By replacing the five most frequently used light fixtures in your home or the bulbs in them with models that have earned the ENERGY STAR, you can save more than $60* each year in energy costs.