Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Why buy ENERGY STAR® qualified CFLs?
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 and choose the lumen level that relates to the incandescent wattage you’re replacing. For example, if you’re looking for a light bulb 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).
| CFL 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. In the past, CFLs only came in cool white—a color temperature not everyone found desirable. 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 2,650 and 2,800 degrees Kelvin (K). This range is referred to as warm white. Common CFL bulb colors are 2,700K,
3,000K, 3,500K and 4,100K.
CCT measurements:
| 2,650-3,200K |
Warm white (yellowish-white) |
| 3,200-4,000K |
Neutral |
| Above 4,000K |
Cool (bluish-white), also called daylight |
Installing your CFLs. To install properly, grip the bulb by the base. Depending on the base of your bulb, it may need to be pushed straight in for pin-based lamps, inserted and then twisted for GU-24 base lamps or simply screwed-in for traditional bases. Perform the reverse when removing bulbs. To take full advantage of the energy savings and long life of ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs, it’s best to use them in frequently-used light fixtures that are on for at least 15 minutes at a time. It is still a good habit, however, to turn lights off when you leave the room for an extended period of time. It is not recommended to use CFLs in closets, in recessed (“can”) lights or with dimmer switches or timers unless you buy specialty CFLs manufactured for those uses.
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Safe handling. Learn more about the very small amount of mercury in CFLs, what to do if you break a CFL and where to recycle CFLs in your area.
Get great deals now. Find out which retailers have joined with Energy Trust to offer special incentive pricing on various types of CFLs.
Earn money for your organization, school or congregation. Saving money, energy and the environment have never been easier. Raise funds by selling ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs. Earn a 50 percent profit on ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs sold with a Change a Light, Change the World Fundraiser. Learn more today.