Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs)
CFL Bulb Types
CFL products come in all shapes and sizes and are
most familiar for their spiral or twist shape. With
normal use, CFLs last about 10 times longer than
standard bulbs. For your lighting needs, comfort
and efficiency, they also come in varying shades of
light. Most CFLs available offer soft or warm
light and are identified with the terms “bright
white,” ”natural” or “daylight.”
| Bare
Products |
Covered Products |
Reflector
Products |
|
Mini-Spiral or Twist
|
Tube or Universal
|
Incandescent/
A-Line
|
Globe G25,
G30, G40
|
Candelabra or Bullet Shape
|
Indoor and outdoor
R20, R30, R40, PAR38
|
Twist
Use to replace a 60W, 75W, and100W
incandescent in a fixture that may hide the
lamp. |
Tube
These CFLs have more tubing in a smaller
area, they pack high light output into a
very small space and can be used in fixtures
designed for incandescent bulbs, such as
table lamps, reading lamps, and bare bulb
applications. |
A-Type
Use to replace a 60, 75 and 100W A-lamp in
areas where lamp is visible or any downward
facing socket |
Globes
Use to replace a 40 and 60W globe in areas
where lamp is visible. Bath bar or any
downward facing socket. |
Candelabra
The screw-in torpedo-shape
and the small-base of this bulb is designed
for smaller light fixtures throughout the
house, from chandeliers to sconces |
R30
Reflector
Use to replace a 65-90W R
lamp in a recessed can.
R40 Reflector
Use to replace a 65-120W R
lamp in a recessed can and in the bathroom. |
Sources:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cfls.pr_cfls_shapes
and
http://www.eartheasy.com/live_energyeff_lighting.htm
Frequently Asked Questions
What wattage can I use?
CFL packaging explains the incandescent wattage to
the CFL equivalent. For example a 13-15W CFL is
equivalent to a 60 W incandescent; 18-20W CFLs are
equivalent to 75 W incandescent; and a 23-26W CFL is
equivalent to a 100 W incandescent. Check the
packaging on the bulb for the equivalencies.
What are the energy savings?
CFLs can last up to ten times longer than
incandescent bulbs. Check the packaging for the
expected life of the CFL. They also use about 2/3’s
less electricity. Dependent on the wattage selected,
each CFL will save about $25 - 30 in energy costs
over the expected lifetime of the bulb. This figure
is based on current city of Mesa utility rates and a
minimum of 2.5 hours of bulb use daily.
Additionally, CFLs produce ¾’s less heat than
incandescent bulbs. If multiple CFLs replace
incandescents in your home, there is opportunity for
energy cooling savings in your home as well.
Can CFLs be used in a three-way lamp?
A number of manufacturers offer both dimmable and
3-way CFLs. Regular CFLs should not be used in 3
way lamp fixtures.
Where should I use CFLs?
CFLs can be used in almost any place incandescents
are used today. CFLs are best used however where
the light will be on four hours or more a day to
gain maximum savings.
I heard CFLs contain mercury, isn’t that a problem?
According to the EPA – the amount of mercury
enclosed in the bulb is equivalent to the ink found
on the tip of a ballpoint pen; but use of CFLs
reduces and outweighs mercury produced by power
plants. Manufacturers are also reducing the amounts
of mercury with technical improvements.
How
should I dispose of CFL bulbs?
CFLs should not be disposed of in your trash. The
City of Mesa suggests CFLs be disposed of in one of
its frequent Household Hazardous Waste Collections
or by visiting your local Home Depot store.
www.Mesaaz.gov/waste/HHW.aspx
Home Depot's Bulb Recycling Program
What to do if a CFL bulb breaks
Where can I get more information on energy
efficiency and CFLs?
* These sites are provided for your information and
are not endorsed in any way by the City of Mesa.
|
