How to Pick CFLs
What’s a CFL?
A compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) is a light bulb that uses less energy to produce the same amount of light as a regular bulb.
Why CFLs?
Savings on Your Electric Bill
With an average use of 3 hours per day, you can save up to $24 per year for each CFL that replaces incandescent bulb.
Longer Life
CFLs can last up to 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb.
Cooler House
CFLs produce about 70% less heat than an incandescent bulb.
Did You Know?
If every American home replaced just one incandescent bulb with an ENERGY STAR® CFL, we would save enough energy to light more than 2.5 million homes for a year and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of nearly 800,000 cars.
www.energystar.gov
How to choose "watt" bulb to buy?
CFLs are available in different sizes to fit your fixtures and allow for ample air flow. Note that not all CFLs are designed to be used in damp or wet locations, so read the manufacturer’s label to find out.
Look For
- “Energy Saving” or “Energy Saver” on the package.
- The ENERGY STAR® logo means the product has met strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy.
- The UL® mark on the package or bulb indicates that the product has passed rigorous safety testing by Underwriters Laboratories.
Spiral Bulbs
The spiral CFL is the most popular CFL available. It's ice cream cone shape helps distribute light evenly in all directions and is best used in desk, floor and shade lamps as well as swing-arm lamps, wall lights and sconces that allow ample air flow. Spiral bulbs also are available in a mini size.
Specialty Bulbs
A-Type
For aesthetic reasons, choose A-line CFLs for light fixtures where the bulb will be exposed, such as ceiling fan light fixtures.
Globe
Globe-style CFLs work best for vanity mirrors, bathroom light fixtures and some ceiling fan light fixtures where you would like an attractive display of this type of CFL.
Chandelier
This bullet-shaped CFL bulb offers a stylish look for chandeliers, specialty decorative lamps and some ceiling fan light fixtures.
Reflectors
Downlight can fixtures are popular in many newly constructed homes and reflector CFLs offer the perfect fit for this type of recessed lighting. Reflector CFLs also work in uplight can fixtures, track lighting and accent lighting fixtures. Be sure to choose CFLs that fit properly and do not protrude from the fixture as this can cause glare.
3-way
Some 3-way bulbs closely resemble spiral bulbs and are available in different shapes, such as A-line and circleline. Use them in desk, floor and shade lamps as well as swing-arm lamps, wall lights and sconces that allow ample air flow and use a three-way switch.
Dimmers
CFLs with the dimmer feature are available in spiral and reflector shapes with the word “dimmable” on the CFL or packaging. Manufacturers continue to add new shapes each year, so check with your retailer for updates. Be sure to only use dimmable CFLs in fixtures that have the dimmer control feature.
CFL Disposal
Small traces of mercury—5 milligrams or about the amount that would cover the tip of a ballpoint pen—are present in CFLs and are only released if the CFL breaks.
For more information on mercury and CFL disposal, please visit the EPA website.
City and County of Honolulu (courtesy of opala.org)
Fluorescent Tubes and CFLs can be brought in to the City's Household Hazardous Waste bi-monthly event by appointment. Householders may also wrap bulbs in newspaper and dispose of with your regular household rubbish. CFLs only (no tubes) may be taken to the Returns Desk at any Home Depot on Oahu. Businesses must consult the State Department of Health at 586-4226 for disposal guidelines as these bulbs qualify as a universal waste.
County of Hawaii (courtesy of hawaiizerowaste.org)
The County of Hawaii has several options for recyling CFL lightbulbs:
- Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events - Hilo on the 1st Saturday in June and December, Kona on the 2nd Saturday in June and December. Also, Waimea and Pahoa annually in March.
- Home Depot provides free CFL recycling drop-off
Maui County
- Home Depot Maui for CFL recycling services
100 Pakaula Street
Kahului, HI 96732