General Information

1. What is ENERGY STAR®?
2. Why choose ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs?
3. What is a CFL?
4. What color light comes from a CFL?

Buying CFL Bulbs

1. Will ENERGY STAR qualified bulbs fit into my existing fixtures?
2. Can I use ENERGY STAR bulbs with outdoor fixtures?
3. What is the warranty on ENERGY STAR qualified bulbs?
4. Can I really save as much as the package says by installing an ENERGY STAR qualified CFL?
5. What is a watt?
6. What is a lumen?

Using CFL Bulbs

1. Can I turn my CFL on and off frequently? I've been told I have to turn it on and leave it on all day.
2. Can ENERGY STAR qualified bulbs be used with a dimmer switch?
3. Why do CFL bulbs take a few minutes to reach full brightness?
4. Is it true that CFL bulbs contain mercury?
5. What should I do with a CFL when it burns out?
6. My CFL burned out early. Why?
7. Where can I find additional information about ENERGY STAR?

General Information

1. What is ENERGY STAR®?

ENERGY STAR is a government program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. ENERGY STAR helps consumers identify energy efficient products. Look for the ENERGY STAR designation when purchasing bulbs, appliances, home electronics and heating and cooling equipment.

2. Why choose ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs?

Energy Star qualified bulbs save money, energy and time. They are a modern alternative to standard incandescent light bulbs, using nearly 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs. In addition, they last up to 10 times longer while providing the same amount of light.

3. What is a CFL?

Designed to fit in many fixtures and lamps throughout your home, CFL stands for compact fluorescent lamp. CFLs are different from tube fluorescents. For the highest quality CFL, buy bulbs with the ENERGY STAR logo.

4. What color light comes from a CFL?

Many ENERGY STAR qualified bulbs effectively reproduce the color of standard incandescent bulbs. Use “warm white” or “soft white” bulbs for a light that is more yellow than blue. Warm colors work well in area lighting or mood lighting. Use cooler lights such as “daylight” or “bright white” for a bluer color. Cool colors work well for tasks like reading.

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Buying CFL Bulbs

1. Will ENERGY STAR qualified bulbs fit into my existing fixtures?

CFLs can replace standard incandescent bulbs in almost any fixture. Specialty bulbs include globe lamps for your bathroom vanity, and chandelier bulbs or lamps for recessed downlights. Check the packaging of the CFL to ensure that it is meant for your intended purpose.

2. Can I use ENERGY STAR bulbs with outdoor fixtures?

Certain CFL bulbs are appropriate for outdoor use. Bulb packaging provides information on temperature ratings and outdoor uses.

3. What is the warranty on ENERGY STAR qualified bulbs?

All ENERGY STAR qualified bulbs come with a warranty. Refer to the bulb packaging for details. Warranties range from two to nine or more years. Retain your receipt in case your bulb does not last as long as advertised.

4. Can I really save as much as the package says by installing an ENERGY STAR qualified CFL?

Refer to the packaging for the kilowatt-hour (kWh) rate the manufacturer used to calculate savings. Keep in mind that Idaho Power’s residential rate is about $0.06 per kWh. Calculations on a multi-pack may group the savings into one larger number including all bulbs. Additionally, savings are calculated over the life of the bulb(s).

5. What is a watt?

A watt measures power consumption and is the common way standard incandescent bulbs are identified. Check the packaging of ENERGY STAR qualified bulbs for the equivalent wattage. For instance, a 13-watt CFL is equivalent to a 60-watt standard incandescent bulb.

6. What is a lumen?

A lumen is the measurement of light output. Unlike watts, which measure the power consumed by the bulb, lumens indicate the amount of light emitted by the bulb.

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Using CFL Bulbs

1. Can I turn my CFL on and off frequently? I've been told I have to turn it on and leave it on all day.

Gain full advantage of the energy savings and long life of ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs, by using them in the light fixtures you use the most and are on for at least 15 minutes at a time. This is not to say ENERGY STAR bulbs should be left on all day. It is still a good habit to turn lights off when you leave the room.

2. Can ENERGY STAR qualified bulbs be used with a dimmer switch?

Yes. Only certain CFL bulbs are made to work on dimmers. The packaging information identifies whether the CFL is for use in a dimmable fixture. Dimming a CFL that is not designed to work with a dimmer switch shortens its life significantly.

3. Why do CFL bulbs take a few minutes to reach full brightness

Some covered CFLs (like incandescent shaped A-lamps, reflectors, globes, and candles) have a higher operating temperature so they require a compound called amalgam to perform properly. This compound actually increases the bulb life and the light output! The one tradeoff is that these CFLs cannot offer “instant full brightness” The CFL will turn on, but may take up to three minutes to warm-up to reach full light output.

By choosing an ENERGY STAR qualified CFL, you are assured that it will turn on in less than a second, and reach at least 80% of full light output within 3 minutes.

4. Is it true that CFL bulbs contain mercury?

CFLs contain a small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing, an average of 5 milligrams. By comparison, the average home thermometer contains 500 milligrams of mercury.

5. What should I do with a CFL when it burns out?

Fluorescent light bulbs, including compact fluorescent bulbs, contain a small amount of mercury. Idaho Power encourages safe handling and proper disposal of fluorescent bulbs. Please contact your local landfill or solid waste collection company for information on household hazardous waste collection programs or special handling requirements.

6. My CFL burned out early. Why?

While it is hard to know exactly why a bulb may fail, some items to consider include:

• Was the bulb an ENERGY STAR bulb? Bulbs must meet stricter quality control guidelines to receive the ENERGY STAR designation. If the bulb was an ENERGY STAR bulb, report the failure through www.energystar.gov.
• Was it the right bulb for the application? Bulbs used with dimmer switches, three-way switches, motion sensors or outdoors must be rated for that use.
• Was the bulb placed in an enclosed fixture? Before using a CFL in a totally enclosed fixture, consult the product packaging. CFLs that are not designed for totally enclosed fixtures will typically carry a disclaimer indicating they are not intended for this type of application. Because totally enclosed fixtures do not allow air to circulate around the lamp, it causes heat to build up, which can lead to performance issues.

7. Where can I find additional information about ENERGY STAR?

See additional information at www.energystar.gov.

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