CFL Benefits

CFLs are ENERGY EFFICIENT

Compact fluorescent lamps use up to 80 percent less energy than incandescent light bulbs. If every home in America replaced just one incandescent light bulb with a CFL, in one year it would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of more than 800,000 cars.

CFLs are COST EFFECTIVE

With 20 percent of the average household electric bill coming from lighting the home, homeowners see a quick return on their investment when they switch to CFLs. While a CFL costs more than an incandescent bulb at the register, CFLs last up to 10 times longer! Businesses have known for years that CFLs are the cheaper option. Depending on the wattage, one CFL bulb can represent $15 to $25 in energy savings over its lifetime.

CFLs are ACCESSIBLE

CFLs are commonplace now and can be purchased at any store that normally carries light bulbs. While the cost is a bit higher than incandescent bulbs at the register, they are one of the least expensive and easiest energy-savings investments a homeowner can make.

CFLs are SAFE

While CFLs contain mercury, the amount is very small. An older thermometer would contain 100 times more mercury than a CFL. No mercury is released when the bulb is intact or in use. Manufacturers continue to work to reduce the amount of mercury used in CFLs.

CFLs are RECYCLABLE

When a CFL has burned out after several years of energy-efficient use, homeowners can recycle the bulbs. Due to advanced recycling procedures, 99% of an old CFL bulb can be recycled into a new CFL.