CFLs are more efficient than incandescent bulbs of equivalent brightness. This is because more of the energy consumed is converted to usable light and less is converted into heat, so fluorescent lamps to run cooler. An incand
escent lamp may convert only 10% of its power input to visible light releasing 90% heat. A CFL produce as much useful visible light energy may require only 1 / 3 to 1 / 4 as much power input and converts 90% of the power input to visible light releasing only 10% heat. Basically, a CFL will reduce your energy and your electric bill!
If every home in the
Compact differs from the traditional incandescent light bulbs in several ways. Consider the following when choosing a CFL bulb:
Look for quality: many bulbs, especially value pears produced poorly causing premature failure or poor lighting performance. Quality has improved dramatically, as some manufacturers such as GE,
Buy the right wattage: many people replaced 100W or 75W bulbs with 60W equivalent and found them to be less bright. Some CFL take long to reach full brightness, but of high quality bulbs, this should typically be less than 10 or 15 seconds. Low quality onion can also have a color cast that makes their light looks gray.
Get the right color, usually "hot": Compact comes in several "hot color" levels, which are sold under different names. Many have bought "daylight" bulbs, or those designed for "task lighting", but found that their color is unpleasant or harsh. Most light bulbs are a warm 2700K color and most compact list their color heat using this scale, daylight bulbs are 5500K to 6000K; look for bulbs labeled "warm", "soft" or even "regular, everyday use"
Avoid dimmable compact: while they may work in some applications, transmitted light Compact often subdued as well, change colors, or buzz. Try one out first. Know the size and shape you need: Compact may be larger than the bulbs they replace (or less), usually larger, since power consumption increases. Everybody has a fairly extensive part near the screw-in base (the "ballast"), which may interfere with some furniture.
Not for: vibration, fully enclosed, or exposed places: The compact technology is more sensitive to heat and vibration than incandescent bulbs. While high-quality bulbs, there should be more fragile than their incandescent equivalent, it is best to avoid fracture due to mercury content (see below).
Many misunderstandings or bad early experiences have cause low adoption rates in the
Precautions Compact is made of glass and can break if dropped or roughly handled. Be careful when removing the bulb from its packaging, installing it or replacing it. Always screw and unscrew the lamp by its base (not glass) and never a strong twist CFL in a light socket. If a CFL breaks in your home, follow the clean-up recommendations below. Used Compact to be disposed of properly.
Cleanup a broken CFL Before Clean-up: Ventilate the Room
Have people and pets leave the room and not let anyone walk through the fracture area on the way out.
Open a window and leave the room in 15 minutes or more.
Turn off the central forced-air heating / air conditioning if you have one.
Clean-Up Steps for hard surfaces
Carefully scoop up glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or cardboard and place them in a glass jar with metal lid (such as a canning jar) or in a sealed plastic bag.
Use tape, such tape to retrieve the remaining small glass fragments and powder.
Wipe area clean with damp paper towels or disposable packaging, wet wipes and place them in glass or plastic bag.
Do not use a vacuum or broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces.
Clean-up steps for carpeting or carpet:
Carefully pick up glass fragments and place them in a glass jar with metal lid (such as a canning jar) or in a sealed plastic bag.
Use tape, such tape to retrieve the remaining small glass fragments and powder.
If vacuuming is needed after all visible materials are removed, vacuum the area where the bulb was broken.
Remove the vacuum bag (or empty and wipe the canister) and put the bag or vacuum residue in a sealed plastic bag.
Clean-up steps for clothes, linens, etc.:
If clothing or bedding materials come in direct contact with broken glass or mercury-containing powder from inside the bulb that may stick to the substance should be clothes and bedding should be discarded. Do not wash such clothing or bedding because mercury fragments in the clothing may contaminate the machine and / or pollute sewage.
You can, however, to wash clothes or other materials that have been exposed to mercury vapor from a broken CFL, such as clothing, you happen to be wearing when you cleaned up the broken CFL, as long as that clothing has not come into direct contact with materials from the broken bulb.
If shoes come into direct contact with broken glass or mercury-containing powder from the bulb to wipe them with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes. Place the towels or wipes in a glass jar or plastic bag for disposal.
Disposal of Clean-up Materials:
Immediately place all cleanup materials outdoors in a trash container or protected area for the next normal trash pickup.
Wash your hands after disposing of glass or plastic bags containing clean-up materials.
Ask your local or state government about disposal requirements in your specific area. Some states prohibit such trash disposal and require that broken and unbroken mercury-containing bulbs be taken to a local recycling center.
Future Cleaning of carpets or rugs: Ventilate the Room During and After Vacuuming
The next several times you vacuum, shut off the central forced-air heating / air conditioning and open a window before vacuuming.
Includes central heating / air conditioning turned off and window open at least 15 minutes after vacuuming is completed.
