User Manual

Frequently Asked Questions About Compact

Fluorescent Light Bulbs!

Q – What is a compact fluorescent light bulb?

A – A compact fluorescent light bulb, or CFL, is an energy-efficient bulb that can replace many

standard incandescent bulbs. They last 10 times longer, use 75% less energy, and will save you

money on your electric bill.

Q – Where can I use them?

A – You can use CFLs to replace many of your incandescent bulbs in your home. CFLs come

with standard screw-in bases, as well as candelabra bases for many decorative models. There

are a variety of shapes, sizes, and wattages to meet your needs and tastes.

Q – Are they dimmable?

A – Unless it specifically states on the package that it is dimmable, then the answer is NO!

Q – I don’t like the color of light that comes out of CFL’s. What are my options?

A – CFLs come in a variety of color temperatures, ranging from 2700K to 3500K. The lower the

temperature, the “warmer” the color (e.g. yellow). The higher the temperature, the “cooler” the

color (e.g. blue).

Q – Can they be used in ceiling fans?

A – There are specific CFLs for ceiling fans, and we recommend using those designed for this

application.

Q – Can I use them outside?

A – You can use them in enclosed fixtures outside, but CFLs should not be used in exposed

fixtures outdoors.

Q – I heard there’s mercury in the compact fluorescent light bulbs I’m being encouraged to

use. Is that true?

Yes. CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing. Mercury is an

essential element in CFLs and is what allows the bulb to be an efficient light source. There is

currently no substitute for mercury in CFLs.

Q – Ho much mercury (HG) is in a CFL? w

A -

Å see that dot? That is how much mercury is in a CFL. In fact, manufacturers have

set voluntary limits of 5 mg per bulb. By comparison, older home thermometers contain between

500 mg and 1,000 mg of mercury, and many manual thermostats contain up to 3,000 mg.

Q – If they have mercury, how are they better for the environment?

A -- Utility power plants burn fossil fuels to generate electricity needed to run things in your

home like light bulbs. Fossil fuels – primarily coal – contain mercury, which is released into the

air when they are burned. Coal-fired power generation accounts for roughly 40% of the mercury

emissions in the United States.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs! Q – What is a compact fluorescent light bulb? A – A compact fluorescent light bulb, or CFL, is an energy-efficient bulb that can replace many standard incandescent bulbs. They last 10 times longer, use 75% less energy, and will save you money on your electric bill. Q – Where can I use them? A – You can use CFLs to replace many of your incandescent bulbs in your home.
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Using light bulbs that are more energy-efficient, like CFLs, require less electricity to be generated by power plants, thereby reducing the plants’ mercury emissions. A coal-fired power plant will emit close to 15 milligrams of mercury to produce the electricity required to run an incandescent light bulb, compared to less than 5 for a CFL. Airborne mercury poses a very low risk of exposure.