Affordability CFLs may cost a little more upfront ($3–$10 on average), but, in addition to using far less energy, they will last for eight to ten years. This reduces replacement expenses. Cost savings A CFL operating during typical business hours, totaling 2,500 hours or more per year, will pay for itself in less than 12 months, then save you money for the next seven to nine years. Health and comfort CFLs are easy on the eyes. They cycle much faster than old tube fluorescents, so there is no perceptible flicker. CFLs are available in a range of colour temperatures from soft white "warm" light tones similar to an incandescent to cooler blue tones for reading. Find the right colour temperature for the task so your light is both functional and aesthetic. Environmental considerations The energy savings from replacing incandescent bulbs with CFLs reduces greenhouse gas emissions from gas-fired or coal energy sources and lessens the need for new energy generation facilities. In addition, CFLs last eight to ten times longer than standard incandescents, so there is less material and manufacturing required and fewer spent bulbs in landfills.
What you need to know- Before you head to the hardware or lighting store, take the time to educate yourself about compact fluorescents, in particular the basics of colour temperature, shape and lumens (light output).
- Keep in mind that not all stores have a wide selection of CFLs and that a phone call in advance of your trip may save you some time.
- Always look for the ENERGY STAR® label, which identifies products that have been tested to meet operating, reliability and energy efficiency criteria.
CFLs and light quality- Today's compact fluorescent light manufacturers offer a wide variety of CFLs that deliver on light quality and convenience as well as energy savings – usually about 75% better than incandescents.
The cost of CFLs - Yes, CFLs are more expensive than incandescents, but replacing a 100-watt incandescent with a 25-watt CFL, for example, will save approximately $30 in electricity over the life of the CFL.
- Remember, too, that CFLs last about eight times as long as incandescents – expect to replace them only every five to six years. Given that long life, it is even more important to choose the right light – the one that best suits the situation – for a given room, as that's the bulb you will be living with for quite awhile.
Colour temperature - Colour temperature refers to the shade of white light, identified by correlated colour temperature (CCT) and measured by Kelvin (K). Warmer colours correspond to lower Kelvin numbers, while higher Kelvin numbers indicate a cooler, bluer light.
- The majority of CFLs on the market are 2700-3000 K and project soft white or "warm" light. These bulbs enhance warm colours (red, yellow and orange) found in the home.
- Bulbs with a slightly higher K rating (up to 3500 K) can be optimal for reading, but as that K rating increases (to 4100, 5000 and 6500K) the effect is increasingly white to bluish light that enhances cooler colours (blue, green, violet). The higher K-rated lights are often referred to as "daylight".
- You may also see some bulbs labelled by a CRI (colour rendition index), which indicates how true colours appear under a light. Bulbs with a CRI rating of 60 to 80 are suitable for offices, classrooms and supermarkets, but all Energy Star rated CFLs have a CRI rating of at least 80 and are better for home, retail, restaurant and lobby use.
Bulb shape - Different fixtures require different types of bulbs and compact fluorescent bulbs come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
- The various shapes provide different light densities and distribution and fit better in certain fixtures.
- CFL products also come with and without reflectors. Non-reflectorized lamps are usually used in table lamps, floor lamps and other fixtures designed to put out diffuse light. Reflectorized lamps provide a more directional light.
- CFLs may also be covered in various ways to mimic standard incandescent lamp shapes, such as A-lamps and PAR lamps.
Choosing the right lighting level - Look for CFLs that produce the same amount of light (measured in lumens) as the bulb you are replacing.
- CFLs come in a range of power ratings, from 5 to 28 watts in screw-in versions and up to 55 watts in hardwired models. Manufacturers often claim that the lamps produce light output equal to a certain wattage incandescent; however, these ratings must be viewed with caution, since there are no formal standards for making such claims. One manufacturer's 18-watt product might be labeled as equivalent to a 60-watt incandescent, while a similar product from another vendor might be labeled as a 75-watt equivalent. As a rough guide, a 3:1 ratio, incandescent to CFL wattage, yields equivalent light output.
Where CFLs work best- Frequent on and off switching can shorten a CFL's 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. This is not to say you should leave lights on all day.
- Because CFLs have a long product life, use CFLs in hard-to-reach places so that they do not have to be replaced as often.
- Some CFLs are specially designed to work with dimmers and three-way switches (tri-lights). Check the package to make sure the light is suitable to the specific use.
More information about CFLs Mercury and disposal
Most CFLs contain less than 4mg of mercury, which is about one-fifth found in the average watch battery and less than 100th found in a typical amalgam dental filling. There are new bulbs on market with lower mercury levels, currently down as low as 1.4-2.5 mg per bulb. CFLs should not be sent to an incinerator, which would disperse the mercury into the atmosphere. If you break a bulb: - Open a window if possible and vacate the area for 15 minutes.
- Use a wet rag to clean it up and put all of the pieces and the rag, into a sealed plastic bag or jar with a lid. Place all materials in a second sealed plastic bag.
- Contact your local recycling center to see if they accept this material.
- Wash your hands.
Find a CFL recycler near you.
FAQSince there is mercury in CFLs, is it more environmentally responsible to use incandescent bulbs?
CFLs can actually reduce mercury levels in the environment by decreasing energy use, particularly coal-fired energy generation, which is one of the largest mercury producers in Canada. Although most of our energy in British Columbia comes from hydropower, we do import energy from other sources, including coal. When we reduce our energy use in B.C., the savings come out of the imported energy. Therefore, using CFLs reduces our contribution to greenhouse gases, energy consumption and mercury production. However, it is critical to dispose of CFLs properly to ensure that mercury does not build up in the environment and damage our ecosystems. Find out how to recycle CFLs in your area. Is the mercury contained in a CFL bad for my health?
The mercury that CFLs contain will not cause health or environmental issues while inside the tubes. It can only become a problem when you discard the tubes. Mercury in the environment is known to have adverse effects on fish, humans and other animals. To keep mercury from becoming a concern, always dispose of CFLs properly. Read the mercury and disposal information in this tip for more information and look for a CFL recycler near you.
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