- Why choose ENERGY STARŪ qualified compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs?
- What is ENERGY STAR?
- What is a CFL?
- What color light comes from a CFL?
- 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.
- Can Energy Star qualified bulbs be used with a dimmer switch?
- Will Energy Star qualified bulbs fit into my existing fixtures?
- Can I use Energy Star bulbs with outdoor fixtures?
- What is the warranty on Energy Star qualified bulbs?
- Can I really save as much as the package says by installing an Energy Star qualified CFL?
- What is a watt?
- What is a lumen?
- Is it true that CFL bulbs contain mercury? Why and how much?
- What should I do with a CFL when it burns out?
- Where can I find additional information about Energy Star?
Energy Star qualified bulbs are a great alternative to standard incandescent light bulbs because they save money, energy and time. These efficient light bulbs use about 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer while providing the same amount of light.
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A government program to help consumers identify energy efficient products. Look for the Energy Star when making purchases such as appliances, home electronics and heating and cooling equipment.
CFL stands for compact fluorescent lamp. CFLs are different from tube fluorescents. They are designed to fit in many fixtures and lamps throughout your home. For the highest quality CFL, be sure to look for the Energy Star when selecting a bulb.
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Energy Star qualified CFL bulbs must pass extensive testing to ensure they produce only the highest quality light. Look for “warm white” or “soft white” bulbs if you want a light that is more yellow than blue. Many Energy Star qualified bulbs now effectively reproduce the color of standard incandescent light bulbs.
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 Energy Star bulbs should be left on all day. Remember it is still a good habit to turn lights off when you leave the room.
Yes, but only certain Energy Star qualified CFL bulbs are made to work on dimmers. Check the information on the packaging to be sure the CFL is designed to work in a dimmable fixture. Dimming an Energy Star qualified CFL that is not designed to work with a dimmer switch can shorten its life significantly.
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Energy Star qualified CFLs can replace standard incandescent bulbs in almost any fixture. Specialty bulbs include globe lamps for your bathroom vanity, as well as chandelier bulbs and lamps for recessed downlights commonly found in kitchens and hallways. Check the packaging of the CFL to ensure that it is designed for your intended purpose.
Certain Energy Star qualified CFL bulbs are appropriate for outdoor use. Check the packaging for additional information on temperature ratings.
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All Energy Star qualified bulbs come with a warranty. Refer to the bulb packaging for details. Warranties range from two to nine years or so. Retain your receipt in case your bulb does not last as long as advertised.
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Idaho Power’s residential rates are lower than the national rates used by manufacturers to calculate savings. Refer to the packaging to see what kilowatt-hour (kWh) rate the manufacturer is using to calculate savings. Keep in mind that Idaho Power’s residential rate is $0.052 per kWh. Also, 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).
A watt is used to measure power consumption and is the common way standard incandescent bulbs are identified. What you’re really after when purchasing a light bulb is the amount of light, which is actually measured in lumens. Check the packaging of Energy Star qualified bulbs for the equivalent wattage. For instance, a 13-watt CFL is a 60-watt equivalent incandescent standard bulb.
A lumen is the measurement of light output. Unlike watts, which measure the power consumed by the bulb, lumens indicate the amount of light put out by the bulb.
CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing – an average of 5 milligrams. By comparison, an average home thermometer contains 500 milligrams of mercury.
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.
Additional information can be found at www.energystar.gov.
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