Energy Savings

To save energy costs, find the compact fluorescent lightbulb with the light output you need, then choose the one with the lowest watts. Light output and wattage are listed on all Energy Star-qualified CFL packages.

• Replacing a 60-watt incandescent bulb with an 18-watt CFL can save you up to $45 in energy costs over the life of the CFL.

• The monthly energy cost to operate an incandescent bulb is greater than its purchase price.

How to Choose a CFL

You have many different light fixtures and one size lightbulb does not fit all. Find the right bulb for the right fixture. Energy Star's website has charts showing the type of CFL to get for different fixtures. Click on "sizes and shapes." And it also has an interactive guide that shows different fixtures and what different colors of CFLs look like in a room. Click on Choose a Light Guide.

CFLs and Mercury

We know that compact fluorescent lightbulbs are a great way to promote energy efficiency as well as save dollars on our electric bills. But the threat of mercury is causing many people to decide against switching from inefficient incandescent to the energy-efficient CFLs.

While it is true that CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury, they contain much less than other household products. CFLs contain an average of 5 milligrams of mercury, roughly equivalent to the size of the tip of a ball-point pen.  The table below shows the mercury content of several products and what the equivalent of CFLs would be.

CFLs are safe to use in your home. In fact, because they produce about 70 percent less heat than standard incandescent bulbs, they are safer to operate. No mercury is released when the bulbs are in use, and they pose no danger to you or your family if used properly.

What to do with burnt out CFLs

Recycle them. Many county household hazardous waste collection facilities will accept CFLs. Do not throw CFLs away in your household garbage if better options exist. Like paint, batteries and thermostats, CFLs should be disposed of properly. Check www.earth911.org to learn where you can find disposal options by using your zip code. Also check with your electric co-op; many co-ops have recycle bins for CFLs.

If you recycle your CFLs, the 5 milligrams of mercury in each bulb will be recycled, keeping it out of the landfill and the atmosphere.

What to do if your CFL breaks

Because there is such a small amount of mercury in CFLs, your greatest risk if a bulb breaks is getting cut from the glass. There is no immediate health risk to you or your family if it’s cleaned up properly. Follow these steps:

• Sweep — don’t vacuum — all of the glass fragments and fine particles.
• Place broken pieces in a sealed plastic bag and wipe the area with a damp paper towel to pick up any stray shards of glass or small particles. Put the used towel in the plastic bag as well.
• If weather permits, open windows to allow the room to ventilate.