Dispelling Myths of Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
What’s the deal with these funny new Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) anyway?
Swapping regular bulbs for compact fluorescents can save you at least $30 per bulb over the life of a compact fluorescent lightbulb. The latest bulbs are much better than earlier ones, but there are still myths surrounding these bulbs.
Myths about Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs):
Myth: Recycling Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs is too hard
Reality: You shouldn’t throw used CFLs out with the trash. Bring them into us. We at True Value, and other retailers who ssell light bulbs accept unbroken CFLs no matter where you bought them.
Myth: Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs are expensive
Reality: Some CFLs now cost less than $1 compared with $9 to $25 ten years ago. And they last 5 to 10 times longer than regular light bulbs. Energy Star-qualified models use up to 75 percent less power.
Myth: Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs produce an odd light
Reality: Many CFLs now produce light like ordinary bulbs. Those with a 2,700 to 3,000 Kelvin (K) number have a warmer, yellower color; 3,500 K to 6,500 K bulbs emit a bluer or whiter light. Energy Star CFLs must include the Kelvin number on the package as of December. Look for CFLs labeled “soft” or “warm” white for light like an incandescent’s, and choose “bright white,” “natural,” or “daylight” for whiter light.
Myth: Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs contain dangerous mercury
Reality: CFLs contain a tiny fraction of the mercury used in the old-time fever thermometers. Energy Star CFLs require 5 milligrams or less for bulbs that use less than 25 watts.
Myth: You need to put on a hazmat suit if you accidentally break one of these bulbs
Reality: Exposure to broken CFLs can pose a health risk, especially to a fetus or young child. But don’t panic. Open a window, shut off central A/C or forced-air heating, and clear the room for at least 15 minutes as the Environmental Protection Agency recommends. Read “How to Clean Up a Broken CFL” for more details. It’s always a good idea to keep Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs out of lamps that could easily tip, especially in rooms used often by children or pregnant women.
More Information About Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs:
Congress passed a law in 2007 phasing out conventional light bulbs. Manufacturers will no longer be able to make the 100-watt Thomas Edison bulb after Jan. 1, 2012, followed by the 75-watt version in Jan. 2013, and the the 60- and 40-watt bulbs in Jan. 2014.
The goal of this legislation is to produce light bulbs that:
- Last Longer
- Save Money
- Save Energy, and
- Reduce Carbon Emissions
Compared to the old-fashioned light bulbs giving the same amount of visible light, CFLs use less power and have a longer rated life. In the United States, a CFL has a slightly higher purchase price than a regular light bulb, but can save over US$40 in electricity costs over the lamp’s lifetime. Like all fluorescent lamps, CFLs contain mercury, which complicates their disposal. (If you have any questions just call us or bring it in we’ll take care of it for you).
Image Sourced from Wikipedia: Net mercury emissions for CFL and incandescent lamps, based on EPA FAQ sheet, assuming average U.S. emission of 0.012 mg of mercury per kilowatt-hour and 14% of CFL mercury contents escapes to environment after land fill disposal.
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