CFL: April 2008 Archives

More than 20% of the electricity generated
in the U.S. is used for lighting.

Approximately half of this energy is wasted by lighting empty rooms or as heat produced by inefficient lamps. But it's easy to save money and energy with ENERGY STAR qualified light bulbs and fixtures. They meet strict energy efficiency and quality specifications, using up to 75% less energy and lasting up to 10 times longer than standard incandescent bulbs.

The new generation of ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are longer lasting, brighter and much more efficient than lighting of the past. ENERGY STAR qualified lighting is diverse, versatile and elegant, with an energy efficient solution for almost every lighting fixture type and any design need.

CFLs

• ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs save up to 75% in energy consumption compared to standard bulbs.
• ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs last six to ten times longer than traditional lighting.
• CFLs have light quality closest to daylight.
• There are many shapes, sizes and color temperatures available for all household applications.
• CFLs are ideal where lights are on for long periods of time or are difficult to reach.

CFL Disposal

CFLs should be disposed of properly with other household hazardous waste products such as paint, batteries and thermostats.

Avoid throwing out spent CFLs in the household trash.

Check with your local or municipal government entity responsible for solid waste or household hazardous waste collection for CFL disposal options.

Some communities offer disposal or recycling programs that accept spent CFLs.

Visit http://www.lamprecycle.org to research the disposal laws and recycling programs in your state.

Energy Star standards and specifications are developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance is a non-profit corporation supported by electric utilities, public benefits administrators, state governments, public interest groups and energy efficiency industry representatives. These entities work together to make affordable, energy-efficient products and services available in the marketplace.

Hard-Wired Fixtures

ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures use pin-based CFLs that last 10,000-20,000 hours. Many ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures carry at least a two-year warranty. ENERGY STAR models are available with dimmable ballasts. Available ENERGY STAR fixtures are appropriate for any design application and include ceiling rounds, pendants, wall sconces, under-cabinet lighting, chandeliers, bath-bars, and outdoor lighting.

Portable Fixtures

ENERGY STAR qualified portable fixtures use pin-based compact fluorescent circline or 2D bulbs which last an average of 10,000 hours.

• ENERGY STAR qualified portable fixtures are relatively cool to the touch at 100° F, a sharp contrast to some halogen torchieres that can reach up to 1,000° F.
• ENERGY STAR qualified portable fixtures are available for little more than the cost of standard torchieres but can save hundreds of dollars in energy costs over the life of the fixture.

Recessed Lights 

ENERGY STAR qualified recessed cans use one-third to one-quarter of the energy of standard incandescent recessed cans. ENERGY STAR qualified recessed cans use bulbs that last up to ten times longer than incandescent reflector lamps. Qualified models operate much cooler, eliminating ‘hot spots’ in the building shell. ENERGY STAR recessed cans are brighter, necessitating fewer cans to produce the same light level as an equivalent incandescent recessed can lighting system.

While ENERGY STAR recessed cans generally cost more than incandescent recessed cans initially, the savings on lighting and space conditioning costs can pay for itself within a few years.

Ceiling Fans with CFLs

ENERGY STAR qualified ceiling fans sometimes include compact fluorescent light kits, which generate 70% less heat and save up to 75% in energy costs compared to standard incandescent kits.

Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
800-539-9362
info@northwestenergystar.com
http://www.nwalliance.org/.