Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

1. Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

2. CFLs vs. Incandescent Light Bulbs • CFLs last 10 times longer • Use roughly ¼ the energy • Produce 25% less heat while producing more light per watt • Save YOU $$$

3. Purchasing CFLs • Check the label • Equivalent incandescent bulb wattage • Where the bulb can be used • If the bulb is rated as an ENERGY STAR qualified bulb • If the bulb is “dimmable” or “three-way” • For photo cells, motion sensors, and electric dimmers, check with manufacturer of the control.

4. ENERGY STAR • Promotes products which are energy efficient • Look for ENERGY STAR logo on appliances, computers and electronics, heating and cooling equipment, lighting and fans, and plumbing equipment • www.energystar.gov

5. Types of CFLs • Available in a variety of styles, sizes, and wattages • Spiral-shaped • A-shaped • Globe-shaped • Tubed • Candle • Indoor reflector • Outdoor reflector

6. Color • Kelvin (K) • More yellow-colored – lower K number • Whiter- or bluer-colored – higher K number Source: www.energystar.gov

7. Tips for Using CFLs • Hold CFL by ballast (white plastic part) not glass tubing • Keep CFLs on for 15 minutes or longer • If CFL is NOT marked as “dimmable” or “three-way” do NOT use in dimmable switch or three-way socket • Most CFLs do not work with photo cells, motion sensors, and electric dimmers – check with manufacturer of these controls • Place CFLs in open fixtures indoors • When using CFLs outdoors, check packaging labels for optimal operating temperatures, and place bulbs inside enclosed fixtures to safeguard from weather

8. Mercury • CFLs do contain a small amount of mercury • In U.S., major source of mercury emissions is electricity use • CFLs use less electricity than incandescent bulbs • CFLs result in less total mercury emissions than incandescent bulbs The amount of mercury in a CFL is roughly equal to the amount of ink on the tip of a ballpoint pen.

9. Cleaning Broken CFLs • Saving Money and Energy: Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs Publication • ENERGY STAR Website www.energystar.gov • KY Division of Waste Management 502-564-6716 • County Solid Waste Coordinator

10. Proper Disposal • Spent CFLs should be recycled • For CFL recycling locations visit/contact: • http://earth911.com/ • http://www.recycleabulb.com/locations/ • Local utility company • County Solid Waste Coordinator In 2008, Home Depot® launched a nation-wide campaign offering free recycling of spent CFLs. Simply bring your spent CFL to any Home Depot® location.

11. Advantages of CFLs • CFLs save energy • Saving energy helps the environment • Saving energy can save YOU money • CFLs have a longer bulb life than incandescent bulbs • CFLs produce less heat than halogen or incandescent bulbs

12. Disadvantages of CFLs • CFLs cost more than traditional incandescent bulbs. • Many CFLs have an initial low light output meaning that they have to warm up before they reach their full light potential. • When compared to incandescent bulbs, CFLs have a poorer quality color rendition. Color rendition refers to the light quality, and is defined by the U.S. Department of Energy as “How colors appear when illuminated by a light source.” • Incandescent bulbs project light further than CFLs. • CFLs contain mercury, thus they must be disposed of (recycled) properly. • Not all CFLs can be used in a dimmable switch or three-way socket. • CFLs may not work with photo cells, motion sensors, and electric dimmers.

13. For more information… • www.energystar.gov • http://www.energysavers.gov/ • http://www.ca.uky.edu/gogreen/

14. This presentation was prepared by Ashley Osborne and Tyler Henningsen, Environmental and Natural Resource Issues Task Force. March 2010. How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.  ~Anne Frank