Frequently Asked Questions
More About Compact Fluorescent Lamps or Light Bulbs(CFLs)
Can using compact fluorescent lighting really save energy and save money on my electric bill?
Why do compact fluorescent lights cost more than incandescent bulbs?
Will a compact fluorescent light fit my light fixture?
Where should I use a compact fluorescent bulb?
Can I use a compact fluorescent bulb in a fully-enclosed fixture?
Can compact fluorescent light bulbs be dimmed?
Can compact fluorescent light bulbs be used in three-way lamps?
Can compact fluorescent light bulbs be used where it is wet or damp?
What about air temperature and compact fluorescent bulbs?
Can a compact fluorescent bulb be used in a dusk-to-dawn fixture?
What about electronic timers?
Do compact fluorescent light bulbs give off Ultraviolet (UV) light?
How long does it take for a compact fluorescent bulb to reach full brightness?
What wattage should I buy?
Is it alright to dispose of CFLs in the trash?
Should I be concerned about using CFLs in my home?
How do I safely dispose of a CFL when it burns out?
What should I do if I break a CFL?
Can using compact fluorescent lighting really save energy and save money on my electric bill?
Yes. A single 20-watt CFL bulb burns 55 watts less than a comparable 75-watt incandescent bulb and provides the same amount of pleasing, warm white light. Over the 10,000-hour-life of a CFL bulb, you would save 550 kilowatt-hours. At 10 cents per kilowatt-hour, that’s a $55 energy cost savings per bulb. And don’t forget to deduct the cost of replacing 10 to 13 incandescent bulbs, which generally last only 750 to 1,000 hours each.
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Why do compact fluorescent lights cost more than incandescent bulbs?
The price of a high-quality compact fluorescent light bulb reflects technology development costs. And, each compact fluorescent has a built-in micro-sized ballast, adding to the cost. As the number of bulbs sold increases, the overall price will continue to decline.
CFLs offer great value. The extra initial price is quickly made up by energy savings. And, you would have to buy up to 10 incandescent light bulbs to last as long as one compact fluorescent.
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Will a compact fluorescent light fit my light fixture?
Compact fluorescent light bulbs, which include a lamp and a ballast or transformer, come in many shapes and sizes. A 14w CFL fits in most places an incandescent does. Great strides have been made in reducing the overall size, and many CFLs are now equivalent in size or smaller than incandescent bulbs. However, it is best to measure your fixture and compare bulb sizes before purchasing a CFL.
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Where should I use a compact fluorescent bulb?
Use CFLs anyplace a traditional incandescent light bulb is used. However the most practical use for a compact fluorescent bulb is in a lamp or fixtures turned on for at least three hours at a time. Hard to reach fixtures are also good candidates, since a CFL does not have to be changed as often as an incandescent bulb.
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Can I use a compact fluorescent bulb in a fully-enclosed fixture?
It is not recommended unless there are ventilation holes. Otherwise the bulb temperature will increase and the CFL bulb’s life shortened.
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Can compact fluorescent light bulbs be dimmed?
Generally no. Although a few compact fluorescent bulbs are designed to dim, most are not, so check the packaging. Using non-dimmable compact fluorescent bulbs with dimmer switches will reduce the life of the bulb.
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Can compact fluorescent light bulbs be used in three-way lamps?
There are three-way compact fluorescent bulbs sold specifically for three-way lamps. A standard CFL can be used in a three-way lamp, but you will only get light in the middle of the three on positions.
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Can compact fluorescent light bulbs be used where it is wet or damp?
Compact fluorescent light bulbs should not be installed where they might be directly exposed to water or snow. They may be installed in sheltered exterior locations.
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What about air temperature and compact fluorescent bulbs?
Compact fluorescent light bulbs may generally be used where the air temperature is between 20 degrees Fahrenheit and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Above 140 degrees, there may be reduced light output and premature ballast failure. CFLs have a harder time starting below 32 degrees, reducing the brightness.
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Can a compact fluorescent bulb be used in a dusk-to-dawn fixture?
Dusk-to-dawn photocell fixtures designed for screw-in incandescent bulbs contain a silicon chip that converts radiant energy into electrical current. The technology is generally incompatible with screw-in CFLs, shortening the life of the bulb. However, fixtures with built-in photocells that are designed to use only compact fluorescent lamps contain a delayed instant-on circuit to make them compatible with fluorescents.
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What about electronic timers?
Electronic timers tend to have a small amount of electricity running through them even though a lamp is shut off. The lamp continually tries to turn itself on, which shortens the CFL life.
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Do compact fluorescent light bulbs give off Ultraviolet (UV) light?
Compact fluorescent bulbs give off a minimal amount of UV light. It does not pose a hazard.
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How long does it take for a compact fluorescent bulb to reach full brightness?
The start-up time for compact fluorescent lamps varies. Most electronically ballasted units start their lamps instantly. All fluorescent lamps start at a lower light output; depending on the ambient temperature, it may take anywhere from several seconds to several minutes for the lamp to come up to full brightness.
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What wattage should I buy?
When buying a compact fluorescent light bulb, choose a wattage that's about one-third of what you usually buy. The table below shows some typical wattage conversions for Springlamp
® CFLs:
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25-watt incandescent = 4-watt compact fluorescent
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40-watt incandescent = 9-watt compact fluorescent
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60-watt incandescent = 14-watt compact fluorescent
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75-watt incandescent = 20-watt compact fluorescent
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100-watt incandescent = 23-watt compact fluorescent
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Is it alright to dispose of CFLs in the trash?
Compact fluorescent light bulbs contain a minute amount of mercury. The amount in a single bulb is generally insignificant and may be legally disposed of in your household garbage. To reduce the risk of bulb breakage or contamination, and to protect yourself from cuts, wrap the bulb in a sealed plastic bag and discard with your trash. Check with you local authorities or waste hauler if you are disposing of a large number of CFLs. Visit a target="_blank" href="http://www.911earth.org/">911earth.org and
lamprecycle.org for CFL recycling information.
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Should I be concerned about using CFLs in my home?
CFLs are safe to use in your home. No mercury is released when the bulbs are in use and they pose no danger to you or your family when used properly.
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How do I safely dispose of a CFL when it burns out?
It is best to recycle your CFL. Recycling programs exist for mercury in older non-digital thermostats and mercury thermometers, but residential CFL recycling programs are just now appearing. To find a residential recycling program in your area, visit
earth911.org or
lamprecycle.org. You can also call 1-800-CLEAN-UP.
If recycling is not an option in your area, place the CFL in a sealed plastic bag and dispose the same way you would batteries, oil-based paint and motor oil at your local Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Site. If your local HHW Collection Site cannot accept CFLs, seal the CFL in a plastic bag and place with your regular trash.
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What should I do if I break a CFL?
If a CFL breaks carefully sweep up all the fragments – wipe the area with a wet towel and dispose of all fragments, including the used towel, in a sealed plastic bag. Follow all disposal instructions. If possible open windows to allow the room to ventilate.
Do NOT use a vacuum. Place all fragments in a sealed plastic bag and follow disposal instructions.
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