CFL Q & A

What is a CFL?

A CFL is a compact fluorescent light bulb. It is different from an incandescent bulb because it contains electronic components in the base of the bulb.

Why should I use a CFL?

CFLs save money and help the environment. They use about 75 percent less electricity for the equivalent amount of light. They also last up to 10 times longer and can save you up to $40 and cut about a 1/4 tonne of greenhouse gas emissions during its life time.

Where should I use them?

CFLs will fit into any regular light socket. To maximize savings, use CFLs in an area where you require lighting for long periods. If it is used outdoors, the light fixture must keep the CFL dry. In general, a CFL should not be used in an enclosed fixture, or in a light controlled by a dimmer switch, a motion sensor or an electronic timer.

Should I wait for my old bulbs to burn out?

Replace and start saving now. The extra money you spend on electricity now waiting for the bulb to burn out could be enough to buy a new CFL. Replace and start saving now.

How do I know what CFL to use when replacing my incandescent light bulbs?

When replacing your incandescent light bulbs with CFLs, use the following guidelines for wattage equivalencies and for best results:

  • 11-watt CFL bulb = 40-watt regular bulb
  • 14-watt CFL bulb = 60-watt regular bulb
  • 23-watt CFL bulb = 100-watt regular bulb

Why are CFLs more expensive than incandescent bulbs?

Although consumers will pay a little bit more up-front for energy efficient lighting, consumers will receive long-term energy savings over the life of the bulb because they last ten times longer and they use 75% less energy.

What if the CFL doesn't fit in my fixture?

CFLs are now available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes to fit most consumers' lighting needs.  Visit any retailer, hardware store or grocery store to find the right CFL for your fixture, provided it's not an enclosed fixture or a fixture controlled by a dimmer switch, a motion sensor or an electronic timer.

Does it matter what brand of CFL I buy?

To ensure maximum performance and for best results, look for ENERGY STAR-qualified CFLs.  ENERGY STAR CFLs have surpassed rigorous testing to meet specific criteria established by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Do CFLs give off UV rays?

All sources of light give off UV rays, some less than others. One way to absorb these UV rays is to cover your CFLs with an open shade, whether glass, acrylic or other material. Completely enclosing your CFL is not recommended, as this may shorten the life of your bulb.

I have light sensitivities, should I be using CFLs?

Practical steps can be taken to reduce your sensitivity to the light given off by CFLs:

  • Cover your spiral CFLs with shades
  • Use encapsulated CFLs (CFLs that are inside a glass bulb)
  • Consider using another type of light as a reading light
  • Choose CFLs with a warmer light. One way to identify warmer lights is by colour temperature. Colour temperature is measured in units kelvin (K). Lower kelvin numbers mean the light has a warmer colour, such as 2,700 to 3,000 K, whereas higher kelvin numbers mean the light has a cooler colour, such as 3,500 to 6,500 K.

I suffer from migraine headaches, should I be using CFLs?

Older fluorescent tubes run at about 60 cycles per second (the lamp will turn on and off 120 times per second, or twice per cycle), which can cause the lamps to flicker noticeably and may cause headaches. However, thanks to advancements in technology, CFLs operate at a minimum of 40,000 cycles per second. This rapid cycling eliminates the perceptible flicker.

Should I remove my CFLs from my home?

Protecting the environment while ensuring the safety of all Nova Scotians is a key priority for us at Conserve Nova Scotia. We do not encourage people to remove CFLs from their homes. If you do experience sensitivities to light, take steps to protect yourself from any discomfort you may experience from the light. We recommend following the steps outlined above.

How should I dispose of a broken CFL?

According to Natural Resources Canada, broken CFLs do not usually pose an immediate health risk to you or your family. To ensure proper clean up, please follow the steps below:

If a CFL breaks on a hard surface:

  • Open windows (if possible) to ventilate the room for a few minutes.
  • Wear rubber gloves and scoop or sweep up the debris with a stiff paper or cardboard, and then place the debris in a plastic bag.
  • Wipe the area with a damp paper towel, discard the paper towel in the same plastic bag and seal the bag.
  • Dispose of the bag in accordance with local disposal options, determined by your municipality.

When a CFL breaks on a carpet:

  • Open windows (if possible) to ventilate the room for a few minutes.
  • Wear rubber gloves to remove as much debris as possible with a stiff paper or cardboard.
  • Use sticky tape (such as duct tape) to pick up any small pieces of glass or fine particles, and then if necessary, vacuum the area and then immediately dispose of the vacuum bag along with the debris and sticky tape in a sealed plastic bag.
  • Dispose of in accordance with local disposal options, determined by your municipality.

Do CFLs contain mercury?

CFLs contain an extremely small amount of mercury, an average of five milligrams, which is sealed within the glass tubing. No mercury is released when the bulbs are in use and they pose no danger to you or your family when handled properly.

Are they safe?

CFLs are safe to use in your home. Unlike incandescent lights, which operate at temperatures high enough to cause serious burns and fires, CFL bulbs pose no fire or shock hazard if used properly.

Replace your CFLs at the first sign of failure or aging. A small percentage of bulbs may emit smoke and a possible odour, or become discoloured, charred or deformed during failure.