Compact fluorescent light bulbs: should you switch?
The answer is yes. If you change your five most commonly used light bulbs from inefficient incandescent to compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs, you can save money and energy.
Many of us still use incandescent bulbs, but new, more efficient choices are now available. There are several differences between regular bulbs and CFLs:
- Lumens - Check the lumens that are produced; they indicate the amount of light being generated. Usually we think in terms of Watts, but Watts just tells you the amount of energy being used. For the best lighting energy value, select the highest lumens per watt.
- Energy efficiency - Look for the ENERGY STAR label. It will let you know that the light bulb meets strict energy efficiency guidelines.
- Price - Don't skimp on the price. You'll get what you pay for, and paying a little more up front will give you the benefits you expect. CFLs have made advances in the past few years with the newer models reaching full brightness immediately. They have the same instant-on, instant-off characteristics of an incandescent bulb but they will last from 7 to 10 times longer and use just 25% to 30% of the energy used by incandescents. Higher-end CFL models illuminate instantly when turned on, do not burn out prematurely and exhibit good color reproduction that will meet your lighting needs.
- Savings - The amount of money you save over the year will depend on what wattage you replace. If you change out five of your most frequently used bulbs, say 100-watt incandescents to 25-watt CFLs, you can expect to realize more than $46 in annual electricity savings. Since each bulb is rated to last 7,000 to 10,000 hours, you can expect the same annual electricity savings for about five years, if each bulb is used four hours per day.
The chart below indicates potential savings, depending on various bulb replacements:
| Incandescent (watt)* |
CFL equivalent (watt)* |
Annual energy savings with five CFLs* |
Cost of five CFLs |
Total first-year savings (energy savings - CFL costs) |
What to do with the money you saved |
| 150 |
42 |
$61.50 |
$49.85 |
$11.65 |
Night at the the dollar movies: two adult tickets, one large popcorn, & two large drinks |
| 100 |
26 |
$42.14 |
$29.95 |
$12.19 |
One large pizza with extra topping (delivered) |
| 75 |
20 |
$31.32 |
$27.45 |
$3.87 |
Two single-scoop premium ice cream cones |
CFLs are increasing in popularity. Many of the finest homes are using CFLs today. Homeowners enjoy better lighting and lower energy bills. High-end hotels are increasingly using CFLs to save on their bills as well. Today's CFLs address customer needs and design expectations.
Below are descriptions of some types of CFL bulbs. Refer to the images at the right of each description to see what each one looks like.
Twist shape: When CFLs first appeared on the market they had that twisty-ice cream shape. Now, this shape is synonymous with CFLs. These are often available in multi-packs at the store. There is even a "mini-twist" that has a smaller appearance with the same lumens as its larger relative.
Regular shape: Due to customer demand for a more stylish CFL, manufacturers designed a CFL that comes in a more traditional appearance. However, if you look close, you'll actually see that it is just the twist shape with a dome over it. This gives it the appearance that customers desire.
Globe shape: This shape is common for vanity mirrors or in bathroom areas. Many bathrooms require multiple bulbs, which can cause a lot of radiant heat from the bulbs. Use CFLs instead to reduce the heat and save energy.
Candelabra shape: This small-base shape fits in smaller light fixtures throughout the house, from chandeliers to sconces. These are just another lighting option for your home.
Other shapes and functions: There are special CFLs to meet most of your lighting needs. You can purchase three-way CFLs, dimmable CFLs, and even CFLs for use in moist areas such as bathrooms. Other CFLs are designed for use in outside light fixtures. While CFLs have increased in popularity and they can be located in many stores at reasonable prices, some of the more specialized CFLs may be found in only specialized lighting stores.
Basic models are available at most hardware, home improvement or grocery stores. Designer models are available in specialized lighting stores.
While ENERGY STAR-qualified CFLs can last more than seven
years, they will eventually wear out. Similar to household items such as batteries, electronics and paint, used-up CFLs should be disposed of properly. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has more about disposal of CFL bulbs and other lighting bulbs that contain mercury.
Your local city solid waste management department can provide
you with information and advice on CFL disposal. Many Valley cities
and towns accept spent CFLs at recycling collection events scheduled
throughout the year. To find out what your city or county does, select from the links below:
Or, go to
Earth911.com or call 1-800-CLEAN-UP for local disposal options.
First, don't panic. The following simple steps can be taken by the average person:
- Open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes or more.
- Carefully scoop up the fragments and powder with stiff paper or cardboard and place them in a sealed plastic bag.
- Use disposable rubber gloves, if available (i.e., do not use bare hands).
- Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes and place them in the plastic bag.
- Do not use a vacuum or broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces.
- Place all cleanup materials in a second sealed plastic bag.
- Place the first bag in a second sealed plastic bag and put it in the outdoor trash container or in another outdoor protected area for the next normal trash disposal.
Note: Some states prohibit such trash disposal and require that broken and unbroken lamps be taken to a local recycling center.
- Wash your hands after disposing of the bag.
- If a fluorescent bulb breaks on a rug or carpet:
- First, remove all materials you can without using a vacuum cleaner, following the steps above. Sticky tape (such as duct tape) can be used to pick up small pieces and powder.
- If vacuuming is needed after all visible materials are removed, vacuum the area where the bulb was broken, remove the vacuum bag (or empty and wipe the canister) and put the bag or vacuum debris in two sealed plastic bags in the outdoor trash or protected outdoor location for normal disposal.