Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs - Purchase Guide
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Change to high-efficiency light bulbs, or CFLs, and start saving.
- What's a CFL?
- Will ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs fit into my existing fixtures?
- What are the benefits of replacing my regular light bulbs today?
- How much do ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs cost?
- How do I select the right CFL for the amount of light I need?
- Do ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs come with a warranty?
- Where can I buy ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs?
- Who makes ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs?
- What do I do with a burned out CFL?
What's a CFL?
Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) use a different, more advanced technology than incandescent light bulbs and come in a range of styles and sizes based on brand and purpose. CFLs have been manufactured for over 20 years, and have come a long way! They provide warm, inviting and lasting light without the flicker and hum of their infamous predecessors.
Will ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs fit into my existing fixtures?
ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs can replace regular, incandescent bulbs in almost any fixture. They come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes including globe lamps for your bathroom vanity, chandelier bulbs, lamps for recessed downlights (now commonly found in kitchens, hallways, and more), and larger or more compact standard light bulbs.
Check the packaging of the CFL to ensure that it may be used in an entirely enclosed fixture. Additionally, some ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs are specifically designed to provide dimming and 3-way functionality -- these options will be identified on the products' packaging.
What are the benefits of replacing my regular light bulbs today?
Start saving energy and doing the right thing for the environment now, not later, by using light bulbs that use two-thirds less energy and give you the same amount of light. ENERGY STAR qualified light bulbs last 6 to 10 times longer than traditional incandescent lighting, so you'll save time buying and replacing bulbs. By using less energy, you save money and reduce pollution at the same time. ENERGY STAR recommends replacing the light bulbs in at least 5 fixtures you use most at home to realize at least $60 in energy savings every year and make a significant difference for the environment.
How much do ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs cost?
CFL prices range from $4 to $15, but save you about $25-30 per bulb in energy savings over their lifetime, more than offsetting their initial cost. We recommend replacing the light bulbs in the fixtures you use most with ENERGY STAR qualified options, whether indoor or outdoor.
How do I select the right CFL for the amount of light I need?
When comparing ENERGY STAR qualified bulbs to traditional bulbs, compare the light output, or lumens, and not the watts. Watts equal the energy used, not the amount of light. In other words, if the package of a 60W incandescent bulb tells you that it puts out 800 lumens, to get the same amount of light you should look for an ENERGY STARqualified bulb that puts out 800 lumens or more.
| Incandescent | Typical Light Output (Min. Lumens) |
|---|---|
| 40 Watts | 450 lumens |
| 60 | 800 |
| 75 | 1,100 |
| 100 | 1,600 |
| 150 | 2,600 |
Do ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs come with a warranty?
Yes! ENERGY STAR qualified light bulbs come with a minimum of a one-year manufacturer warranty -- most manufacturers offer a warranty that covers the lifetime of the product.
Where can I buy ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs?
Look for ENERGY STAR qualified lighting products at your local home improvement centers/ hardware stores, and at local independent and regional retailers. Some grocery stores also sell CFLs. To find a store near you, visit the ENERGY STAR Store Locator.
Who makes ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs?
The same manufacturers that you already know manufacture ENERGY STAR qualified bulbs -- GE, Panasonic, Osram Sylvania, Philips, and Westinghouse; and some you may not know yet - Feit, MaxLite, Technical Consumer Products, and more.
What do I do with a burned-out CFL?
Proper disposal of CFLs and other fluorescent lamps is very important. CFLs and other energy-efficient lamps require very small amounts of mercury to operate. If you accidentally break one, sweep up the glass and metal and put the materials in a sealed plastic bag for proper disposal. Your local Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Site may accept CFLs.
