Energy-Efficient Lightbulb Facts
By Anna Aronson
How to Dispose of Mercury Light Bulbs
What Is the Difference Between Energy-Efficient & Regular Lightbulbs?
How to Replace the Bulb in Landscape Lights
How to Calculate Electric Loads for Basebord Electric Heaters
How to Replace a Halogen Oven Bulb
As the green movement caught on, many people started looking around their homes for ways to reduce energy consumption. For some, the switch to energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs was an easy way to feel like they were making a difference. Today, you can find dozens of varieties of these energy-efficient lights to fit just about any light fixture.
Energy Savings With CFLs
Compact fluorescent bulbs use about 90 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs, Energy Star reports. The energy saving is so significant that if every household in the United States replaced one incandescent light with a CFL, it would save enough energy to light 300 million homes for an entire year. It would also eliminate about 9 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions annually, which is roughly the amount emitted by 80,000 cars. (See References 1)
How a CFL Works
Compact fluorescent lights use argon and mercury vapor to produce light. This makes them much more efficient than incandescent bulbs, which emit an electric current that travels through wire filaments. The filament then becomes warmer, and glows to emit light. (See References 2) In the past, CFLs used magnetic ballasts that caused them to create a buzzing sound. However, as the technology has evolved, manufacturers have switched to electronic ballasts, eliminating this bothersome noise. Today, all CFL bulbs certified with the Energy Star seal must contain electronic ballasts.
Cost Savings With CFLs
Compact fluorescent bulbs use less energy and last up to 10 times as long as their incandescent counterparts, resulting in a cost savings for you. You can save as much as $40 in energy costs (in 2011) over the lifetime of each CFL bulb you use in your home, Energy Star reports (see References 1). This cost saving occurs despite the higher upfront cost to purchase CFLs (see References 3). In addition to the savings you gain from lower electricity usage, you'll also save on the cost of cooling your home, because CFLs emit 90 percent less heat than incandescent bulbs (see References 1).
CFL Wattage
To replace an incandescent bulb with a CFL, you'll need to know what wattage to purchase because they are not equal. For example, to replace a 60-watt incandescent bulb, you would use a 15-watt CFL. A 100-watt incandescent light should be replaced with a 25-watt CFL, while a 150-watt incandescent can be swapped out with a 39-watt CFL. For less bright lights, use a 5-watt CFL to replace a 25-watt incandescent and a 9-watt CFL for a 50-watt incandescent light. (See References 3)
CFL Disposal
Because they contain mercury, you shouldn't throw CFLs out with your household garbage. Instead, collect the bulbs in a safe place until you can turn them in to a collection center so the mercury can be safely reused and other parts recycled. Many cities and waste-disposal companies collect the bulbs, along with hardware and household stores such as Lowe's, Home Depot, Ace, True Value, Menards and IKEA. (See References 4)
Energy Star: Light Bulbs (CFLs)
Energy Star: Learn About CFLs
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Recycling and Disposal After a CFL Burns Out
Anna Aronson began working as a journalist in 2000 and spent six years at suburban Chicago newspapers before pursuing freelance work. She enjoys writing about health care topics, in particular obstetrics, pediatrics and nutrition. She received a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Eastern Illinois University and is now studying for a Master of Science in medicine degree to become a physician's assistant.
How to Use Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
How Does Changing the Light Bulbs Help the Environment?
Can You Use CFL Bulbs in a Dimmable Fixture?
LED Lighting Versus Conventional
Disposal of High-Efficiency Light Bulbs
How to Use CFL in Recessed Lights
Overheating Recessed Lighting
How to Change an Amana Refrigerator Lightbulb
How to Switch From a Magnetic Ballast to an Electronic Ballast
1 How to Use Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
2 How Does Changing the Light Bulbs Help the Environment?
3 Can You Use CFL Bulbs in a Dimmable Fixture?
4 LED Lighting Versus Conventional