What You've Always Wanted to Know About CFLs

Compact fluorescent light bulbs, or CFLs - you've probably heard of them. Although they are no longer considered a new technology, and it is widely accepted that using them saves energy and money, many consumers still have questions about them regarding their light quality, mercury content and how to properly dispose of them.  You’ve asked, we've answered.  Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative, has all the information you need to become an informed consumer.


What are the benefits of using CFLs?

ENERGY STAR^® qualified CFLs use up to 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs, which can reduce utility bills.  By replacing the five most used bulbs in your home to ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs, you can save about $35 a year in energy costs.  In addition, CFLs last up to ten times longer, which makes frequent changing of burnt out light bulbs a thing of the past.


Aren't CFLs more expensive than standard incandescent bulbs?

CFLs typically cost a little more to purchase than incandescent bulbs, but because they are so energy efficient, they more than make up for that price tag difference in energy cost savings. To make the purchase of ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs even more lucrative, beginning Oct. 1, and for a limited time only, Focus is offering ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs for a discounted price at participating retail locations. 


Do CFLs produce the same light quality as standard incandescent bulbs?

The CFLs of today have improved over the models from even just a couple of years ago. CFL technology has advanced dramatically to produce light that is warm and inviting without the delay, flicker, hum or buzz common with early fluorescent lights. In addition, CFLs now come in a variety of shapes and sizes so they fit in most household lights. There are even dimmable and three-way CFLs.


There has been a lot of talk about the mercury in CFLs. Are CFLs safe to use?

CFLs contain a small amount of mercury encased in the base of the bulb, but in reality, CFLs pose no harm to consumers because they do not emit mercury when they are intact, in use, properly stored or handled.  What many people don't realize is that the largest source of mercury in our air actually comes from burning coal to produce electricity, and unfortunately, the standard incandescent bulb uses much more electricity than a CFL, which means using incandescent bulbs actually causes more mercury pollution than a CFL, even when you take into account the mercury in the bulb.  With proper recycling, you can reduce that even more.


Is anything being done to reduce the amount of mercury in CFLs?

Yes, in March the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced new requirements for CFLs bearing the ENERGY STAR label. As of Dec. 2, 2008, they will be required to contain less than their current levels of 5 milligrams of mercury per bulb. And just to emphasize how minimal 5 milligrams is, some watch batteries contain 25mg of mercury and many manual thermostats contain up to 3,000 milligrams.


What if a CFL breaks?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), you can safely clean up a spill from a broken CFL. The small amount of mercury in a CFL is not likely to cause a health problem, but it should still be cleaned up properly. If you do break a bulb, follow the clean up instructions provided by the EPA.


Is it true CFLs should not be thrown in the trash?

Because CFLs contain a small amount of mercury, they should be recycled.  Focus on Energy has partnered with more than 300 retailers throughout the state to make CFL recycling easy and convenient.  For a list of participating retailers, and more information about CFL disposal, visit focusonenergy.com/cflrecycling. CFLs can also be taken to local recycling centers.


At the end of 2007 the President signed an Energy Bill, which will regulate the efficiency of the light bulbs Americans can use beginning 2012. Can you explain how this will affect consumers?

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 requires all light bulbs to use 30 percent less energy than today's incandescent bulbs by 2012 to 2014. It’s not entirely correct to say "CFLs will be required" or “incandescents will be phased out” because the standards set by the bill are technology neutral.  By 2012, a next generation of incandescent bulbs could satisfy the 30 percent increased efficiency. There are also other lighting technologies, such as halogen and LEDs that will be able to meet the new requirements and are expected to both increase in performance and drop in cost over the next few years. 


For more information about ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs or how to clean up after a broken CFL, call Focus on Energy at 800.762.7077 or visit focusonenergy.com.