Why do compact fluorescent
lights cost more than incandescent bulbs?
The price relates to the costs of developing the new compact fluorescent
technology Recently the price of high-quality compact fluorescent lights has
decreased. As the number of lights sold increases, the overall price of the
lights will continue to decline.
Will compact fluorescent lights
really help me save energy and money on my electric bill?
Yes. A 20-watt compact fluorescent light provides the same amount of light as
a 75-watt incandescent bulb.
Let’s just compare the costs of the bulbs first and let’s assume that you
will use the light for 10,000 hours. You will need only one compact fluorescent
light bulb which costs an average of $10, but you will need about 10
incandescent bulbs since incandescent bulbs only last about 1,000 hours each.
The incandescent bulbs may only cost you about $5 but the electricity cost to
run it will cost about $45 versus only $12 to run a compact fluorescent light
bulb.
Bulbs plus electricity cost about $22 when using compact fluorescent lights
and $50 when you use standard incandescent bulbs. Using a compact fluorescent
light could save you $28 (based on Tacoma Power rates).
Why aren't compact fluorescent
lights as small as regular incandescent bulbs?
A compact fluorescent light includes a lamp and a ballast or transformer. The
incandescent bulb has no ballast. While compact fluorescent lights have been
larger than their incandescent equivalent bulbs, the newest lights are less than
one-half inch larger than the equivalent 60-watt incandescent bulb. In the
future manufacturers promise even smaller lights. For now it is wise to measure
your fixture before you shop for a compact fluorescent light.
Where should I use my compact
fluorescent lights?
The best places for compact fluorescent lights are in frequently used
fixtures that are on for at least three hours at a time. Fixtures that are
difficult to reach also are good places to put compact fluorescent lights.
Will the light from the compact
fluorescent lights be the same as from an incandescent light?
Not exactly. Fluorescent light is from a linear source, which means it is
spread out. Though there is less glare from fluorescent lights, the light cannot
be directed as well as an incandescent light. This means that compact
fluorescent lights are good for area fixtures, but not so good for spotlights.
At startup they take about 1.5 minutes to reach full brightness. For most users
this is a minor inconvenience.
Where are some places that
compact fluorescent lights should not be used?
Because of electronic interference, compact fluorescent lights should not be
used on dimmers, in "touch" lamps, with photocells or with electronic
timers.
Can I use compact fluorescent
lights in three-way lamps?
There is no danger in doing this, but you will get light only in the middle
one of the three "on" positions. Compact fluorescent lights
specifically labeled as ‘three-way’ are now available at retailers.
Will compact fluorescent lights
work where it's cold? Where it's hot?
Always read the package for the manufacturer’s recommendations, but
generally, compact fluorescent lights can be used in the 20°F to 140°F range.
Many new products will start at temperatures to -20°F, though the light output
may be somewhat reduced at very low temperatures. When compact fluorescent
lights operate at temperatures above 140°F, there may be reduced light output
and premature ballast failure.
Will they work where it's damp?
Do not install compact fluorescent lights where they will be directly exposed
to water or snow. You can install compact fluorescent lights in sheltered
exterior places. Some compact fluorescent lights have ventilation holes to keep
them cool. Do not install that type of compact fluorescent light where moisture
or water can get in the holes.
How long will compact
fluorescent lights last?
That depends on what type of compact fluorescent lights you purchase. Most
one-piece units should last 10,000 hours. The lamp part of a two-piece compact
fluorescent light should last 10,000 hours also, but the ballast should last
three to five times longer. A year has 8,760 hours. So, if you use a one-piece
compact fluorescent light for four hours a day, it should last for seven years.
Is it true that compact
fluorescent light bulbs contain harmful mercury?
Compact fluorescent lights contain a very small amount of mercury,
significantly less than those in fever thermometers. This
small amount of mercury slowly bonds with the phosphor coating on the lamp
interior as the lamp ages, prohibiting its entry into the atmosphere. Even
breaking a fluorescent bulb is not a significant health risk because
the amount of mercury vapor released is so small that it dissipates into the air
with a minimal chance of inhalation.
What is the proper way to
dispose of burned-out compact fluorescent light bulbs?
Though compact fluorescent light bulbs are exempt from Environmental
Protection Agency and State of Washington regulations, Tacoma Power recommends
that you dispose of burned-out bulbs as you would batteries, motor oil or
oil-based paint. City of Tacoma and Pierce County residents can dispose of
household hazardous waste, including burned-out compact fluorescent light
bulbs, at the City of Tacoma Landfill Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Site.
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