What should I expect when I switch to compact fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs?

• CFL bulbs use about one-quarter the energy an incandescent bulb uses to produce the same amount of light. To replace a traditional 60-watt bulb, look for a CFL bulb in the 15-watt range.
• Look for “Energy Star” bulbs. They are the most energy-efficient and have been rigorously tested.
• The start-up time of a CFL bulb can be slightly slower, even though the color and brightness are similar.
• CFL bulbs produce light that’s more diffuse than incandescent bulbs, so they are very good for area lighting.
• To maximize the lifetime of a CFL bulb, install it where it will stay on for at least 3 hours at a time. The more a CFL bulb is turned on and off, the quicker it burns out.
• For timers or photocells, only use CFL bulbs that are specifically designed to be used in these devices. Check the label.
• If your CFL bulbs cause interference with devices such as radios and computers, move the lamp and the electronic devices further apart.
• If your CFL bulb is too blue or “cold,” try a different color temperature. Look for bulbs labeled “warm white,” with a color temperature between 2650O and 2850O Kelvin.
• If the base of your CFL bulb is too big for your lamp, try a socket extender, available at www.blackenergy.com, www.buylighting.com or www.energyfederation.org.
• CFL bulbs contain trace amounts of mercury, so when they burn out, dispose of them properly. (But don’t be overly concerned—see the section on mercury later in this Q&A. Or go to www.earth911.org or www.lamprecycle.org for more information.)
• Only use three-way CFL bulbs in three-way lamps.
• Check to see if your electric company offers rebates on CFL bulbs. They often do.
• What if my new bulb is too big to fit in my lamp?
• If it’s too big to fit under the harp, try a harp adapter, available at www.blackenergy.com and www.energyfederation.org.
• Unlike incandescent lights, CFLs have an electronic (or magnetic) ballast that sits above the socket and helps regulate the light. Sometimes the ballast is too large to fit into your lamp’s base. A socket extender—available at www.blackenergy.com, www.energyfederation.org or www.buylighting.com—can help fix this.

What should I look for when using CFLs with a dimmer?

• In a dimmer, only use dimmable CFL bulbs—the bulb’s package will tell you if it is dimmable. And note that not all dimmable
• CFL bulbs work in all dimmers. To increase the chance of getting one that works in your dimmer, visit our reviews and a list of bulbs that work with dimmers at our Web site at www.ed.org/page.cfm?tagid=609.
• For best dimming results, turn the light all the way on and then dim back to the desired level.
• CFL bulbs don’t have the same dimming precision as incandescent bulbs, which can move smoothly between zero and 100% of full brightness. The dimming range of CFL bulbs is usually between 20% and 80%. Above that, it leaps to full brightness.
• Dimmable cold cathode bulbs have very long lifetimes because their solid-state circuitry can stand more wear and tear.
• Lower light means more savings. So have a romantic dinner tonight and turn the lights down low!

Do compact fluorescents work in three-way lamps?

• Three-way compact fluorescent bulbs are available, but they can be quite tall. If the bulb looks too big for your lamp, try a harp extender.

Can I use a spiral-shaped bulb in a regular lamp?

• Spiral bulbs generally fit in regular lamps, but check the dimensions of your lamp to make sure.
• Jumbo spiral bulbs give strong light but can be quite large. If the bulb you want isn’t a “mini spiral,” check its length to make sure it will fit in your lamp. A harp extender might help it fit in your lamp.
• If your lamp has a clamp shade (which attaches to the bulb rather than the lamp), using a spiral bulb might be more difficult. Be sure to check the spiral’s size, or try an “A-shaped” bulb, which are shaped similar to traditional incandescents. They are not as bright as the equivalent spiral bulbs, however. If brightness is your priority, consider a spiral bulb.

What should I consider when looking at CFL bulbs in decorative shapes?

• Make sure the light will fit in your fixture. Pictured at right are samples of a globe-shaped CFL bulb and a torpedo (or candle-shaped) CFL bulb.
• Check what size-base your fixture requires. The standard bulb base is an E26 or Edison base. Some decorative bulbs have a smaller “candelabra base” (E12).
• If your decorative light fixture has a regular-sized socket, but you’d like to use a bulb that has a smaller candelabra base, try a socket reducer, available at www.bulbs.com.
• To use a candelabra-based bulb in a regular-sized fixture, try a candelabra enlarger/adapter, available at www.bulbs.com.

Can I use CFL bulbs in reading lamps?

• For a reading lamp, try a higher color temperature (3000 Kelvin); the white will be whiter and brighter, more like sunlight.
• If the light from your CFL bulb is not bright enough for your table lamp, try the bulb in a different fixture. Some CFL bulbs lose 20% of their brightness when placed base-down.

How about using CFL bulbs in recessed fixtures?

• Be sure to check the length of the CFL bulb so it doesn’t jut out below the edge of the recessed fixture.
• If your recessed fixtures are on a dimmer, be sure to get dimmable reflectors.
• If your fixtures have covers that enclose the bulb, be sure that your CFL bulb is “enclosed-rated.”

Is it okay to use CFL outdoors?

• Only CFL bulbs designed for the outdoors should be used in outdoor fixtures. Check the label. Also, just as with incandescents, check whether the bulb is rated for an enclosed or uncovered fixture.

I’ve heard there’s mercury in CFL bulbs. Should I worry?

All compact fluorescents contain trace amounts of mercury — but don’t worry!

First, CFL bulbs contain far less mercury than in other items in the house: CFL bulbs (4 mg), thermometers (500 mg), older thermostats (3,000 mg). Plus, using CFL bulbs actually prevents more mercury from being released into the air by power plants—10 mg of mercury to produce the electricity needed to run an incandescent bulb versus only 2.4 mg of mercury to run a CFL bulb for the same amount of time.

Should a bulb break, take these simple precautions: First, open nearby windows to disperse any vapor that may escape. Sweep up the fragments (do not use your hands) and wipe the area with a disposable paper towel to pick up all glass fragments. Do not use a vacuum. Place all fragments in a sealed plastic bag and follow the disposal instructions below.

How should I dispose of my burned-out bulbs?

Recycling burned out CFLs is the best option. The City of Houston is happy to offer Houstonians three centers that will accept disposal of their compact fluorescent lights.

North Environmental Service Center

5614 Neches, Building C
Open every 2nd Thursday of the month from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

South Environmental Service Center

11500 S. Post Oak
Open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. and the 2nd Saturday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Westpark Consumer Recycling Center

5900 Westpark
Open Mondays through Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CFLs from businesses will not be accepted.

Residents are encouraged to be careful in packing and transporting their CFLs and tubes to avoid breakage and spillage. The CFLs contain traces of household hazardous chemicals.