CFL Frequently Asked Questions
Should I wait until my regular light bulbs burn out before I purchase CFL's?
You can begin to see savings in energy costs immediately when you install CFLs, and it has a positive environmental impact too. Even if you don't have strong feelings about the environment, why would you wait to start saving money?
It seems like changing a few light bulbs won't make much of a difference. Why even bother?
There is no ONE single solution that is going to reduce pollution or reduce your expenses. It's going to take a combination of a lot of little things over time. This is one of those little things that can have a significant, immediate impact if we spread the word, but it all starts with you.
Why hasn't everyone done this already?
Most people see that CFLs cost more money upfront and don’t think about the significant savings over time and the positive impact on the environment that switching to CFLs can have. The purpose of this website is to help spread the word about the cost savings and positive environmental impact. If you don't want to change all of your light bulbs right now, consider switching them gradually -- one room or fixture at a time.
What precautions should I take when using CFLs in my home?
CFLs are made of glass and can break if dropped or roughly handled. Be careful when removing the bulb from its packaging, installing or replacing it. Always screw and unscrew the lamp by its base (not the glass), and never forcefully twist the CFL into a light socket. Because CFLs contain a small amount of mercury, follow EPA's clean-up recommendations if a CFL breaks in your home. Used CFLs should be disposed of properly.
*Source: ENERGY STAR, Joint program of the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy