Advantages of Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

In just the few seconds it takes to change a light bulb, you can start saving money and help the environment. By using ENERGY STAR® qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), you’ll experience savings today and tomorrow, while helping conserve valuable energy resources.

Watt a Bright Idea

Today's CFLs provide high quality, warm white light and come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit different fixtures, including styles that are designed for use in chandeliers, ceiling fans, recessed lights and bathroom vanities. There are now also CFLs that work with dimmer switches and three-way lamps.

An energy saving CFL bulb:

  • Is 75% more energy efficient than a standard bulb
  • Lasts five to seven years, which is about ten times longer than a standard incandescent bulb
  • Saves an average of $25 - $55 in energy costs over the life of the bulb
  • Produces about 75% less heat for added comfort and lower cooling costs.

When you use CFL bulbs throughout your home, your energy savings will quickly add up. By using CFLs in your home's five most frequently used light fixtures, you may save more than $60 per year. In addition, you’ll enjoy the convenience of buying and changing bulbs less frequently.

Proper Use for Best Results

Get the longest life and most savings with these CFL tips:

  • Install CFLs in the most frequently used areas; typically the kitchen, living room, recreation rooms and outdoor fixtures.
  • Before using with an electric timer, check the lamp package, which will indicate if the CFL is compatible with electronic timers or photocells.
  • If using in a dimmer switch, select a bulb that is specifically designed for this purpose. Using a regular CFL with a dimmer switch may shorten bulb life.
  • To gain the most financial benefit, leave the CFL on for over 15 minutes each time it is turned on. Frequent turning on and off of the lamp will shorten the life of the product.
  • A CFL may generally be used in an enclosed fixture as long as the enclosed fixture is not recessed.
  • Many CFLs can be used outdoors in an enclosed fixture. Check the lamp or package to make sure it is approved for outdoor use, and verify the lowest operating temperature for the area where the product is being used.

CFL Safety and Disposal

Duke Energy encourages our customers to practice safe handling and correct disposal of compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs because of their mercury content.  CFLs use a very small amount of mercury to generate light, between 1 and 5 milligrams. This is 99% less mercury than an old mercury thermometer.  The mercury in a CFL is contained within the bulb and is not released unless the bulb is broken.  The following tips should be followed when installing and removing a CFL to prevent breakage.

  • Always screw and unscrew the lamp by its base (not the glass), and never forcefully twist the CFL into a light socket.
  • If a CFL bulb should break, refer immediately to the Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) and Mercury fact sheet on the ENERGY STAR® Web site for safe handling.
  • The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that consumers take advantage of local recycling options for disposal of CFLs.

There are many organizations involved in the CFL recycling and disposal at the local and national level.  This infrastructure continues to grow and evolve as the rate of CFL adoption increases and the need for recycling becomes more widespread.  CFL manufacturers provide both a website and a toll free number on the package for recycling information and the EPA maintains current information on their site.  Check the websites below for the most up-to-date information on CFL disposal practices and collection facilities.  If you don’t find a location in your area, contact your local municipal solid waste agency to find out about their CFL collection programs.

Several organizations are involved in the recycling of CFLs at the local and national level.