Choosing a CFL Bulb
Limitations, Disposal of CFLs
LED Lights, Benefits, Uses
Online Sources for Energy-efficient lighting
The electricity used over the lifetime of a single incandescent bulb costs 5 to 10 times the original purchase price of the bulb itself.
Compact
Fluorescent Lights (CFL) and Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs have revolutionized energy-efficient
lighting.
CFLs are simply miniature versions of full-sized fluorescents. They screw
into standard lamp sockets, and give off light that looks just like the
common incandescent bulbs - not like the fluorescent lighting we associate
with factories and schools.
LEDs
are
small, solid light bulbs which are extremely energy-efficient. New
LED bulbs are grouped in clusters with diffuser lenses which have broadened the applications for LED use
in the home.
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.
CFLs come in many shapes and sizes. When purchasing CFLs, consult the seller for recommendations and consider the following:
Approx. 2700K = Warm White (looks just like incandescent)
Approx. 5000K = Cool White (white/blue, often higher CRI)
• Match lumens to the incandescent being replaced. Lumens indicate the amount of light being generated. (Watts is a measure of energy use, not light strength.) To compare lumens and watts see chart below:
60
.75
100
150
13 - 18
18 - 22
23 - 28
34 - 42
890
1210
1750
2780
CFLs are available in a variety of styles or shapes. Some have two, four, or six tubes. Older models, and specialty models, have separate tubes and ballasts. Some CFLs have the tubes and ballast permanently connected. This allows you to change the tubes without changing the ballast. Others have circular or spiral-shaped tubes. In general, the size or total surface area of the tube determines how much light the bulb produces.
The following CFL bulb models come with standard sockets for easy installation in most common household applications. These bulbs are available in our online store.
These bulbs are designed as a continuous tube in a spiral shape which has similar outside shape and light casting qualities to a standard incandescent bulb. Spiral CFL bulbs are made in several sizes to fit most common fixtures. more info
Triple Tube Lamps
These CFLs have more tubing in a smaller area, which generates even more light in a shorter bulb. 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, open hanging lamps, and bare bulb applications. more info
Standard Lamps
These are spiral lamps with a dome cover. They are designed to give the appearance of the traditional light bulb for consumers looking for the more familiar light bulb appearance. The glass diffuser provides a quality of light similar to the 'soft-white' type of incandescent bulbs. more info
Globe Lamps
This shape is commonly used in bathroom vanity mirrors or open hanging lamps, and bare bulb applications. Bathroom vanities usually require multiple bulbs, which generate radiant heat. The CFL globe will reduce this heat buildup while saving energy. The glass diffuser provides a soft-white light. more info
Flood Lamps
These lamps are designed to be ideal for recessed and track lighting fixtures, indoors and outdoors. They provide diffused, soft, white light, and generate less heat than will an incandescent flood or a halogen bulb. more info
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. To use a smaller candelabra-based bulb in a regular socket, you can use a socket reducer, available at many hardware stores and home improvement centers. more info
- On/Off cycling: CFLs are sensitive to frequent on/off cycling. Their rated lifetimes of 10,000 hours are reduced in applications where the light is switched on and off very often. Closets and other places where lights are needed for brief illumination should use incandescent or LED bulbs.
- Dimmers: Dimmable CFLs are available for lights using a dimmer switch, but check the package; not all CFLs can be used on dimmer switches. Using a regular CFL with a dimmer can shorten the bulb life span.
- Timers: Most CFLs can be used with a timer, however some timers have parts which are incompatible with CFLs; to check your timer, consult the timer package or manufacturer. Using an incompatible timer can shorten the life of a CFL bulb.
- Outdoors: CFLs can be used outdoors, but should be covered or shaded from the elements. Low temperatures may reduce light levels - check the package label to see if the bulb is suited for outdoor use.
- Retail lighting: CFLs are not spot lights. Retail store display lighting usually requires narrow focus beams for stronger spot lighting. CFLs are better for area lighting.
- Mercury content: CFLs contain small amounts of mercury which is a toxic metal. This metal may be released if the bulb is broken, or during disposal. New 'Alto' CFL bulbs are now available with low-mercury content. These low-mercury CFLs are available at our online store. For more information about mercury and CFLs, see below.
Mercury is a toxic metal associated with contamination of water, fish, and food supplies, and can lead to adverse health affects. A CFL bulb generally contains an average of 5 mg of mercury (about one-fifth of that found in the average watch battery, and less than 1/100th of the mercury found in an amalgam dental filling). A power plant will emit 10mg of mercury to produce the electricity to run an incandescent bulb compared to only 2.4mg of mercury to run a CFL for the same time. The net benefit of using the more energy efficient lamp is positive, and this is especially true if the mercury in the fluorescent lamp is kept out of the waste stream when the lamp expires.
All fluorescent lamps do not contain the same amount of mercury. Philips lamps with Alto Lamp Technology, for instance, contain less mercury than conventional fluorescent lamps. Philips claims the bulbs have the lowest amount of mercury of any bulb on the market at less than 3.8 mg per bulb. To achieve this, Philips uses a specially developed mercury capsule which ensures the exact amount of mercury is placed in a tiny glass capsule which is attached to the lamp cathode. To purchase the new 'Alto' CFLs, click here.
Important
Note:
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
- call your local recycling center to see if they accept this material,
otherwise put it in your local trash. Wash your hands afterward.
Although household CFL bulbs may legally be disposed of with regular trash
(in most US states), they are categorized as household hazardous waste.
As long as the waste is sent to a modern municipal landfill, the hazard
to the environment is limited. However, CFLs should not be sent to an
incinerator, which would disperse the mercury into the atmosphere.
Burned out CFLs can be dropped off at Home Depot and Ikea stores. Another solution is to save spent CFLs for a community household hazardous
waste collection, which would then send the bulbs to facilities capable
of treating, recovering or recycling them. For more information on CFL
disposal or recycling, you can contact your local municipality.
LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are small, solid light bulbs which are extremely energy-efficient. Until recently, LEDs were limited to single-bulb use in applications such as instrument panels, electronics, pen lights and, more recently, strings of indoor and outdoor Christmas lights.
Long-lasting - LED
bulbs last 10 times as long as compact fluorescents, and 133 times longer
than typical incandescents.
Durable - Since LEDs do not have a
filament, they are not damaged under circumstances when a regular incandescent
bulb would be broken. Because they are solid, LED bulbs hold up well
to jarring and bumping.
Cool - these bulbs do not cause heat build-up; LEDs produce 3.4 btu's/hour, compared
to 85 for incandescent bulbs.
Energy-saving - LEDs use a fraction of the
wattage of incandescent bulbs. Batteries will last 10 to 15 times longer
than with incandescent bulbs. Also, because these bulbs last for years,
energy is saved in maintenance and replacement costs. Many cities in the
US are replacing their incandescent traffic lights with LED arrays because
the electricity costs can be reduced by 80% or more.
Light for remote areas - because of the low power
requirement for LEDs, using solar panels becomes more practical and less
expensive than running an electric line or using a generator for lighting.
Cost - although the cost keeps going down, LEDs are still expensive. A single AC bulb (30 LED), replacing a 25 watt incandescent, may cost about $40.
Light Field - LEDs are focused lights, and therefore are best as task specific lighting such as reading lights, desk lamps, night lights, spotlights, security lights, signage lighting, etc. They do not radiate light in 360 degrees as an incandescent does. The light will be bright where you point it towards.
New designs in LED bulbs are addressing this problem of directional focus. Diffuser lenses with clustered bulbs are becoming more common on the market which is broadening the applications for LED use in the home.
LED
Colors:
Red
- red is the traditional color for maintaining night vision.
Green - green is
now the preferred color for pilots and the military. The green color is
also great for retaining night vision, and it doesn’t erase the red markings
on maps and charts.
Blue - many people
like the blue because it is very easy on the eyes. Blue appears to be
a good reading light for elderly eyes. Elderly folks report that they
can read under the blue light for hours without eyestrain, compared to
severe eyestrain in less than 30 minutes with incandescent lighting.
White - the most
popular of the LED colors. It produces a soft white light, without harsh
reflection, glare or shadows.
Amber - LED amber bulbs do not attract flying
insects, as do ordinary white bulbs. Amber LEDs are used outdoors in areas
such as patios and decks where insects flying around lights are a nuisance.
Although
LEDs are expensive, the cost is recouped over time and in battery savings.
For the AC bulbs and large cluster arrays, the best value comes from commercial
use where maintenance and replacement costs are expensive. Traffic lights,
for example, are being switched over to LEDs in many cities.
Smaller arrays, such as those in flashlights, headlamps and small task lights
are great for specialty and outdoor use. New clustered arrays with various
lenses are now available for more residential applications.
Energy-Efficient Lighting: Online Sources
A complete selection of CFLs and LEDs is available online at Eartheasy's online store.
Now available: LED Holiday Lights!
Eartheasy's online store now offers the most efficient, high-quality LED light strings for your holiday lighting needs. Choose from the five most popular styles, or the heavy-duty strings for commercial applications.
To view our selection of LED holiday lights, click here.
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