Q: Why use CFLs?
A: Modern CFLs provide high quality, warm
and inviting light, without the flickering
and humming of older fluorescent bulbs. And,
they cut energy use and cost compared to the
incandescent bulbs they replace.
Q: How do they save energy?
A: Standard incandescent bulbs haven’t
changed much since Thomas Edison invented
them in 1879. Only 10% of the energy they
use makes light while the other 90% is wasted
as heat. Providing the same high quality as
incandescent bulbs, ENERGY STAR® CFLs
use 66% less energy because they operate at
temperatures below 100 degrees thus, wasting
far less energy as heat than incandescent
bulbs. ENERGY STAR CFLs also last up to 10
times longer. Replacing a 100-watt incandescent
with a 32-watt CFL can save you at least $30
in energy costs over the life of the bulb.
Q: How should I dispose of my old
CFLs?
A: ENERGY
STAR flyer on safe disposal of CFLs
Q: Will CFLs provide enough light?
A: Yes, they emit the same amount of light
as the incandescent bulb they are designed
to replace. ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs provide
the same amount of light (lumens) as standard
incandescent bulbs, but have lower wattage
ratings. This means they use less energy and
cause less pollution. If you are unfamiliar
with the best CFL wattage to use for your
lighting needs, always refer to the lumen,
or light output on the product packaging as
your guide. For example, most 60-watt incandescent
bulbs provide around 800 lumens, so look for
ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs that provide 800
lumens or more.
| Incandescent |
|
CFL |
|
|
| Wattage |
Lumens |
Wattage |
Lumens |
Wattage
Saved |
| 25 W |
280 |
5 W |
250 |
18 W |
| 40 W |
480 |
7W |
400 |
29 W |
| 60 W |
870 |
13 W |
900 |
44 W |
| 75 W |
1190 |
18 W |
1200 |
55 W |
| 100 W |
1750 |
23 W |
1550 |
75 W |
Wattage
Saved |
Hours/
Day |
Days/
Year |
Wattage |
KWH |
Cost Savings |
| 18 |
2 |
365 |
13140 |
13.14 |
$1.05 |
| 29 |
2 |
365 |
21170 |
21.17 |
$1.69 |
| 44 |
2 |
365 |
32120 |
32.12 |
$2.57 |
| 55 |
2 |
362 |
40150 |
40.15 |
$3.21 |
| 75 |
2 |
365 |
54750 |
54.75 |
$4.38 |
To calculate savings specific to your home,
use this link: www.energystarlights.com/energy_calculator.html
CFL Purchasing Tips from ENERGY STAR:
1. Place ENERGY STAR qualified
CFLs in the fixtures you use most frequently.
CFLs are most efficient when they operate for
several hours at a time (2 hours or more).
2. Certain CFLs are designed
to work in dimmable, 3-way fixtures, as well
as torchieres. Check the package to be sure
you are buying the correct bulb.
3. Use ENERGY STAR qualified
CFLs in the fixtures that are hard to reach
such as ceiling fans, other ceiling fixtures,
and enclosed outdoor fixtures. Because CFLs
last longer, you enjoy the convenience of buying
and changing bulbs less frequently.
4. ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs
come in a multitude of shapes and sizes. Select
the best shape and size to fit your needs:
Bare, Mini-spirals, Spirals
Bare, Double, Triple, and Quadruple tubes
Circle-line
Covered A-line
Covered Globe
Covered Bullet or Torpedo
5. Smaller sizes mean greater
compatibility with your fixtures. Today's
ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs are designed to
be smaller and thinner than earlier models,
so you can install them in a wider variety
of fixtures, such as wall sconces, ceiling-mounted
fixtures, and ceiling fans.
6. Qualified CFLs are available
in a range of color temperatures:
Warm, white light: Look for a color temperature
of 2,700-3,000K.
Cooler, white light: Look for a color temperature
of 4,500-6,000K
Light Emitting Diode (LED) Lighting
LED
Fact Sheet
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