Q: How can I tell if something is ENERGY STAR^® qualified?
A: The easiest way is to look at the package the product comes in. For example, compact fluorescent bulbs are always labeled with the ENERGY STAR symbol. However, when you are looking at bigger items such as appliances, sometimes the packaging is in the storage area of the store, and the label is not on the display model. If this is the case, you should ask the sales clerk to look at the packaging for you.

Q: I just purchased some ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent lightbulbs. The attached sticker says I should find out if my utility participates. How do I do that?
A: To determine your eligibility, use the eligibility tool to determine if you are served by a participating utility, or you can call Focus on Energy at 1-800-762-7077.

Q: I just purchased some ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent lightbulbs. Do I have to use a different envelope for each one?
A: There is a place on the reward form where you can list the quantity of bulbs that you purchased. All the bulbs that have the same model number can be listed on the same line. You can put all the requests for rewards in one envelope, and you can most likely use one reward form for all of the bulbs purchased as well.

Q: Is there a limit on the amount of ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent lightbulbs that can qualify for Cash-Back Rewards?
A: Yes. You can purchase up to 12 bulbs.

Q: I've heard that CFLs contain mercury, is this true?
A: Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) last far longer and use electricity more efficiently than conventional incandescent bulbs. Buy them if you can. They do contain a miniscule amount of mercury -- roughly four milligrams, or an amount the size of the period at the end of this sentence. (By comparison, a watch battery can contain up to 25 milligrams of mercury). The mercury in compact fluorescent bulbs currently does not pose a major problem. The tiny punctuation of mercury should not stop you from buying CFLs, any more than it stops you from wearing a watch. Burning fossil fuels to generate electricity creates mercury pollution. Thus using compact fluorescent bulbs actually reduces mercury pollution, because CFLs use far less electricity than incandescent bulbs.