Shedding light on CFLs

At Fairlawn

Find out about our experience at Fairlawn with CFLs

  • what works
  • how to make the most out of your CFL experience

Selection

Remember to look for compact fluorescents (CFLs) that say "2700 K". They are the same colour as incandescent bulbs.

The size called "ultra mini" are the same length as regular incandenscent bulbs.

Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) also come in the form of dimmers and tri-lights.

Conversion chart:

Incandescent:   Compact fluorescent:

 40W            -        11 to 14 W

 60W            -        15 to 19 W

 75W            -        20 to 25 W

100W           -         26 to 29 W

150W            -        38 to 42 W

Benefits 

  • use less energy than incandescent bulbs
  • provide 75% to 80% reduction in energy costs
  • last 10 to 20 times longer than incandescent bulbs and therefore reduce your maintenance costs
  • produce just as much light as standard bulbs (output is four to five times more per watt than incandescent bulbs

Safety

CFLs are safe to use in your home. No mercury is released when the bulbs are in use and they pose no danger to you or your family when used properly. However, CFLs are made of glass tubing and can break if dropped or roughly handled. Be careful when removing the lamp from its packaging, installing it, or replacing it. Always screw and unscrew the lamp by its base, and never forcefully twist the CFL into a light socket by its tubes. Used CFLs should be disposed of properly (see below).

What should I do if a CFL breaks?
Because there is such a small amount of mercury in CFLs, your greatest risk if a bulb breaks is getting cut from glass shards. Research indicates that there is no immediate health risk to you or your family should a bulb break and it’s cleaned up properly. You can minimize any risks by following these proper clean-up and disposal guidelines:

  • Sweep up (DO NOT vacuum) all of the glass fragments and fine particles.
  • Place broken pieces in a sealed plastic bag and wipe the area with a damp paper towel to pick up any stray shards of glass or fine particles. Put the used towel in the plastic bag as well.
  • Open windows to allow the room to ventilate.

Disposal

Like paint, batteries, thermostats, and other hazardous household items, CFLs should be disposed of properly. Do not throw CFLs away in your household garbage. Use the hazardous waster disposal sites. Never send a CFL or other mercury containing product to an incinerator.

 
source: http://www.gelighting.com/na/home_lighting/ask_us/faq_compact.htm