Buy ENERGY STAR^® CFLs, save money and protect our planet

Why buy ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs)?

Switching from standard incandescent light bulbs to ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs is the easiest, least expensive step you can take to reduce energy use, protect our environment and reduce your electricity costs!

If every home in America replaced just one incandescent lightbulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified CFL, it would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of more than 800,000 cars annually.

A brand new generation of ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent lighting is longer-lasting, brighter, and much more efficient than lighting of the past. ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs offer many benefits:

• Use up to 75% less energy and can last up to 10 times longer than standard incandescent bulbs
• Are a cool and safe alternative to incandescents because they operate at lower temperatures
• Are available in many shapes, sizes, and color temperatures for all household applications
• Are ideal in fixtures that are on for long periods of time or are in difficult to reach areas
• Come with a two-year manufacturer warranty  

Choose the right bulb

ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs provide the same amount of light (lumens) as traditional bulbs, but use less energy (watts). To find the right CFL for your needs, look for the lumens listed on the packaging. Choose the lumen level that relates to the incandescent wattage you’re replacing. For example, if you are looking for a lightbulb that gives off the same amount of light as a 60-watt incandescent bulb, look for an ENERGY STAR qualified CFL that puts out 800 lumens or more (see table below).

Typical light output (minimum lumens)	450	800	1,100	1,600	2,600
Incandescent bulb (Watts)	40	60	75	100	150

 

Additionally, look for the Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) when choosing the right bulb. CFLs of the past came in one color, cool white—a color temperature often described as institutional or undesirable. Now you can choose the CCT of bulbs that you purchase. For a light that emits a color close to incandescent bulbs, look for a CCT range between 2650 and 2800 degrees Kelvin (K). This range is referred to as warm white. Common CFL bulb colors are 2700K, 3000K, 3500K and 4100K. CCT measurements:

 

2650 - 3200K	Warm White (Yellowish-White)
3200 - 4000K	Neutral
Above 4000K	Cool (Bluish-White), Also Called "Daylight"

 

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 your lights on all day if you use ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs. It is still a good habit to turn the lights off when you leave the room for an extended period of time. It is not recommended to use CFLs in closets, in can lights or with dimmer switches or timers unless you buy specialty CFLs specific to those uses.

Mercury in CFLs

CFLs, contain a small amount of mercury (4 mg compared to 500 mg in a thermometer). While they are safe to use, they should not go into the trash when they burn out.  CFLs should be recycled to ensure that the mercury in the bulbs is reused in new products and doesn't enter the environment.

Learn more about mercury in CFLs and about where to recycle CFLs in your area.

Earn Money for your organization, school, or congregation!

Raising funds, saving your environment and providing education on energy efficiency has never been easier. Sell energy efficient ENERGY STAR qualified Compact Fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and earn 50% profit on bulbs sold, learn about Change a Light, Change the World Fundraiser today.