Why should I choose a CFL bulb? Switching from traditional regular light bulbs to CFLs is an effective, simple change that everyone can make right now. Making this change will help you use less electricity at home and prevent greenhouse gas emissions. Lighting accounts for close to 20%¹ of the average home’s electric bill. CFLs qualified by the government’s ENERGY STAR eco-efficiency rating use up to 75% less electricity than regular incandescent light bulbs, last up to 10 times longer, and provide a quick return on investment.
Today’s CFLs offer brightness and color characteristics that are comparable to regular lights. Although CFLs cost more than regular bulbs, they pay for themselves by saving energy over their extended lifetimes. CFL bulbs and fixtures that feature dimmers and operate much like regular fixtures are also available.
If every home in America replaced just one regular light bulb with an ENERGY STAR-certified CFL, in one year we would save enough electricity to light more than 3 million homes. That would prevent the release of greenhouse gas emissions equal to that of about 800,000 cars.
Source: Energy Star; http://www.energystar.gov/
Should I be concerned about mercury in CFL bulbs? All CFL bulbs contain trace amounts of mercury. But here’s why you shouldn’t worry:
CFL bulbs contain far less mercury (1.4 to 4 mg) than other items in the house, such as thermometers (500 mg) and older thermostats (3,000 mg). Plus, a power plant emits about 10 mg of mercury in the air while producing the electricity needed to power one regular bulb, compared to only 2.4 mg of mercury to run a CFL bulb for the same amount of time.
HomeEnergySaver’s non-dimmable CFL bulbs contain less than 2 mg of mercury, making them particularly environmentally responsible relative to conventional fluorescents. However, regardless of mercury content, every fluorescent light bulb should be recycled at the end of its life, and not disposed of with other trash. (More on how to dispose of these long-lasting bulbs.)
What should I do if a CFL bulb breaks?Should a bulb break, take these simple precautions: First, open nearby windows to disperse any vapor that may escape. Sweep up the fragments (do not use your hands) and wipe the area with a disposable paper towel to pick up all remaining glass. Do not use a vacuum. Place all fragments in a sealed plastic bag and follow the disposal instructions below.
How should I safely dispose of CFL bulbs?Products containing mercury, such as CFLs, should be disposed of in accordance with local laws and regulations and not placed with regular trash. Take used compact fluorescent bulbs to a local recycling center, your community's hazardous waste collection event, or recycle them through a recycling service such as Veolia ES.
To find out if there are recycling options near you:
- visit earth911.org, or
- call 1-800-CLEAN-UP for an automated hotline, or
- contact your local government agency in charge of household hazardous waste (start with your sanitation department) to see if bulb recycling is an option in your area.
Are rebates available from utility companies? Energy-efficient bulbs help utility companies lessen their load at peak times, so sometimes they run special programs or rebates to encourage you to make the switch. Contact your utility company for more information.
