| Frequently Asked Questions
Find additional answers at the Energy Star site.
What
is a CFL?
CFL stands for "compact fluorescent lamp". It uses at least 2/3 less energy than a traditional incandescent bulb and can be used in most any regular light socket. Fluorescent lighting works by passing a current through a gas-filled tube. Incandescent light works by heating up a metal filament until it is white-hot. Incandescent bulbs produce mostly heat, which is why a fluorescent using only 13 watts of electricity can produce light comparable to an incandescent using 60 watts. CFLs produce high quality light and operate 70% cooler than incandescent light bulbs, so they don't heat up your room or fixtures. Qualified bulbs labeled "warm white" or "soft white" produce light like typical incandescent light bulbs. CFLs that have a cooler color (similar to bright white incandescent bulbs) are usually labeled "bright white" or "daylight" on the product packaging.
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Why choose Energy Star qualified CFLs over a non-qualified CFL?
ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs have been tested to meet stringent performance criteria established by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The criteria ensure that all CFLs earning the ENERGY STAR meet minimum lifetime and efficacy requirements, and are within maximum allowed product start and warm-up times. Manufacturers are also required to label the product if the light output is different than that of a soft white incandescent. If you choose a CFL that is not ENERGY STAR qualified, you might not get the performance you are looking for.
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How do I select the best CFL? What should I look for?
Many manufacturers include product equivalency information on the packaging, or use words like "Soft White 60", or "60 Watt Replacement" to help consumers select the right one. The 60-watt equivalent CFL will likely use between 13 and 15 watts. Be sure to look for the ENERGY STAR mark on the product packaging. ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs must pass product quality and performance tests to earn the ENERGY STAR.
Also, make sure you choose the right light for the right place, and that you read the CFL packaging. For example, for popular recessed ceiling fixtures (also called recessed cans), choose a CFL made for this application. In addition, only a handful of CFLs currently work well on dimmer and remote switches, or come with a 3-way switching feature. Read the packaging to be sure you properly place your new CFL and get the best performance.
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Who makes Energy Star qualified CFLs?
The same manufacturers that you already know manufacture ENERGY STAR qualified bulbs -- GE, Panasonic, Osram Sylvania, Philips, and Westinghouse; and some you may not know yet - Feit, MaxLite, Technical Consumer Products, and more.
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How much do Energy Star qualified CFLs cost?
CFL prices range from $4 to $15, depending on the style of bulb. Although a single CFL costs more initially, you actually save money, approximately $25-35 per bulb, in energy savings over the lifetime of the bulb, more than offsetting their initial cost. We recommend replacing the light bulbs in the fixtures you use most with ENERGY STAR qualified options, whether indoor or outdoor.
A cost comparison based on 10,000 hours of use: (nearly 7 years if the light is on 4 hours per day)
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Can I turn my CFL on and off frequently? I've heard I'll have to leave it on all day?
Turning a CFL on and off frequently can shorten its life. To take full advantage of the energy savings and long life of ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs, it is best to use them in light fixtures you use the most and are on for at least 15 minutes at a time. Good locations include outdoor light fixtures, indoor fixtures in the living room, family room, kitchen, bedroom, recreation room, etc. This is not to say you should leave your lights on all day if you use ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs. It is still a good habit to turn the lights off when you leave the room for an extended period of time.
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Can Energy Star qualified CFLs be used in recessed cans, outdoor fixtures or track lighting?
Yes. CFLs come in different sizes and shapes to fit almost any fixture and offer convenience, because they last longer. In addition, CFLs produce about 70% less heat than standard incandescent bulbs, so they're safer to operate in closed fixtures and can help cut energy costs associated with home cooling. When shopping, always look for ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs for the highest quality.
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Can CFLs be used in sockets facing down or horizontally, as well as verticle?
Yes. CFLs can be used in any socket an incandescent bulb fits in, just make sure to use the equivalent lumen output for best cost savings. The equivalent of a 60 watt incandescent is a 20-23 watt CFL bulb.
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Will a CFL work in extremely cold and hot temperatures or extremely wet climates?
Extreme temperatures can affect CFLs. Some CFLs can be used outside in temperatures down to -10 degrees Fahrenheit and up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, though when it is very cold they may take longer to reach full brightness. There are some ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs that are weatherproof and can be used outside where exposed to rain, so check for "weatherproof" models before installing it in your outdoor spot light.
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Does Energy Star recommend installing CFLs in the bathroom?
You can use ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs in bathrooms; however, high humidity can shorten the life of CFLs. To avoid moisture problems generally, control humidity in your bathroom by running your ventilating fan during and 15 minutes after showers and baths.
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Can Energy Star qualified CFLs be used with a dimmer switch?
Yes, certain ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs are made to work on dimmers. Be sure to check the fine print on the back of the packaging for the proper applications to see if there are any restrictions on the product's use. Dimming an ENERGY STAR qualified CFL that is not designed to work with a dimmer switch can shorten its life significantly.
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Will dimming a standard incandescent bulb save energy?
It saves some energy, but the light output drops much faster than the energy saved. This is because as an incandescent lamp is dimmed, it still consumes a lot of energy generating infrared heat, so the energy savings are not as great as the reduction in light. If you need less light, a better solution is to use a lower wattage bulb, or use a more efficient source like a CFL. For instance, dimming a 75-watt incandescent bulb by 25% will still use 66 watts. Instead, use a 40-watt bulb at full brightness, or install an 18 watt CFL. You might also consider a 23 watt Dimmable CFL available now in many home improvement stores, which will only use about 18 watts when dimmed.
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How does a CFL benefit the environment?
Each 13-watt CFL, over the expected 10,000 hour life of the bulbs, will save 470 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity as compared to a 60-watt incandescent bulb. This translates to a reduction of over 730 pounds of carbon dioxide. It also means a reduction of 1.6 pounds of nitrogen oxides and 4.3 pounds of sulfur dioxide, and makes significant reductions in other impacts of coal-produced power such as mercury pollution and destruction of forest and stream habitats.
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I understand that CFLs contain mercury? Why and how much?
CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing - an average of 5 milligrams (roughly equivalent to the tip of a ball-point pen). Mercury is an essential, irreplaceable element in CFLs and is what allows the bulb to be an efficient light source. By comparison, older home thermometers contain 500 milligrams of mercury and many manual thermostats contain up to 3000 milligrams. It would take between 100 and 600 CFLs to equal those amounts.
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What is the best way to dispose of a CFL bulb?
Follow these guidelines to dispose of your CFL properly:
- Like paint, batteries,thermostats, and other hazardous household items, CFLs should be disposed of properly. DO NOT throw CFLs away in your household garbage if better disposal options exist. To find out what to do first check the following website: www.earth911.org where you can find disposal options by using your zip code or by calling 1-877-EARTH911 for local disposal options. Additional information is available at www.lamprecycle.org. Also, some retailers are currently exploring take-back programs.
- Check with your local waste management agency (MO & KS) for recycling options and disposal guidelines in your community. Home Depot stores accept CFLs (unbroken) at no charge as part of the company’s Eco Options program. If no other options are available, place the CFL in a plastic bag and seal it before putting it in the trash. If your waste agency incinerates its garbage, you should search a wider geographic area for proper disposal options. Never send a CFL or other mercury-containing product to an incinerator.
- ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs have a two-year warranty. If the bulb fails within the warranty period, return it to your retailer.
Because there is such a small amount of mercury in CFLs, your greatest risk if a bulb breaks is getting cut from glass shards. Research indicates that there is no immediate health risk to you or your family should a bulb break, especially if it's cleaned up properly. You can minimize any risks by following these proper clean up and disposal guidelines:
- Carefully sweep up - don't vacuum - all of the glass fragments and fine particles.
- Place broken pieces in a sealed plastic bag and wipe the area with a damp paper towel to pick up any stray shards of glass or fine particles. Put the used towel in the plastic bag as well.
- If weather permits, open windows to allow the room to ventilate.
Go to the Energy Star site to learn more
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How the Program Works
About Compact Fluorescent Lights
Lighting Efficiency Tips
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