Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs
Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) is simply a miniature versions of full-sized fluorescents. They screw into standard lamp sockets, and give off light that looks just like the common incandescent bulbs. Compared to general service incandescent lamps giving the same amount of visible light, CFLs use less power and have a longer rated life.
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[edit] Benefits of using CFL
- Efficient CFLs are four times more efficient and last up to 10 times longer than incandescents. A 22 watt CFL has about the same light output as a 100 watt incandescent. CFLs use 50 - 80% less energy than incandescents.
- Less Expensive Although initially more expensive, you save money in the long run because CFLs use 1/3 the electricity and last up to 10 times as long as incandescents. A single 18 watt CFL used in place of a 75 watt incandescent will save about 570 kWh over its lifetime. At 8 cents per kWh, that equates to a $45 savings.
- Reduces Air and Water Pollution Replacing a single incandescent bulb with a CFL will keep a half-ton of CO2 out of the atmosphere over the life of the bulb. If everyone in the U.S. used energy-efficient lighting, we could retire 90 average size power plants. Saving electricity reduces CO2 emissions, sulfur oxide and high-level nuclear waste.
- High-Quality Light Newer CFLs give a warm, inviting light instead of the "cool white" light of older fluorescents. They use rare earth phosphors for excellent color and warmth. New electronically ballasted CFLs don't flicker or hum.
- Versatile CFLs can be applied nearly anywhere that incandescent lights are used. Energy-efficient CFLs can be used in recessed fixtures, table lamps, track lighting, ceiling fixtures and porchlights. 3-way CFLs are also now available for lamps with 3-way settings. Dimmable CFLs are also available for lights using a dimmer switch.
[edit] Lumen Comparison
Match lumens to the incandescent being replaced. Lumens indicate the amount of light being generated.
| Incandescent Watts | CFL Watt range | Lumen Range |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 8 - 10 | 450 |
| 60 | 13 - 18 | 890 |
| 75 | 18 - 22 | 1210 |
| 100 | 23 - 28 | 1750 |
| 150 | 34 - 42 | 2780 |
[edit] Environmental Effects
Compact fluorescent bulbs each one contains about 5 mg of mercury, a toxic heavy metal that can cause serious health problems if inhaled or ingested over a period of time or in large enough doses. As a result, many environmentalists and other experts recommend recycling compact fluorescent bulbs to make sure they don't end up in landfills.
Compact fluorescent lamps can pose an added health risk because of the ultraviolet and blue light emitted by such devices. The worst that can happen is that this radiation could aggravate symptoms in people who already suffer rare skin conditions that make them exceptionally sensitive to light.
[edit] Handling and Disposal of CFLs
The mercury in compact fluorescent bulbs poses no threat while in the bulb, but if you break one:
- open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes or more
- use a wet rag to clean it up and put all of the pieces, and the rag, into a plastic bag
- place all materials in a second sealed plastic bag.
