CFL Lighting Calculator

What is a CFL? - CFL stands for compact fluorescent lamp - a small fluorescent light bulb that uses at least 2/3 less energy and lasts up to 13 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. CFLs generate 70% less heat than standard incandescent lighting.

Where Should I Use CFLs? - Get the most energy savings. Replace bulbs where lights are on the most - family and living rooms, kitchens, dining rooms & porches.

How Do I Choose the Right Bulb? - Choose the ones that offer the same lumen rating as the light you are replacing. The higher the lumen rating, the greater the light output. Most CFL packages have conversion charts that will help you decide which bulb is best for you.

Do All CFLs Give Off "Hospital-Type" Lighting? - No. When purchasing CFLs choose the color that works best for you. Most CFLs are created with warm colors for most rooms, but you might choose a cooler color for task lighting.

Why Do CFLs Cost More Than Incandescent Bulbs? - Technology required to produce CFLs is more expensive than traditional lighting. Compared to incandescent light bulbs, CFLs have a longer rated life and use less electricity. CFLs save enough money in electricity costs to make up for their higher initial price within about 500 hours of use.

Can I Turn My CFL On and Off Frequently? - Turning a CFL on and off frequently can shorten its life. Take full advantage of the energy savings & long life of these bulbs. WFEC recommends using them in light fixtures that are used most often & on for at least 15 minutes at a time. However, it's still a good habit to turn the lights off when you leave a room for extended periods of time

Can CFLs Be Used in Recessed Lights, Outdoor Lights or Track Lighting? - Absolutely! Read the packaging of the CFL to be sure of its proper application - there are a wide variety of ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs designed for use in most fixtures in your home.

Can I Install CFLs in the Bathroom? - You can use CFLs in bathrooms. High humidity can shorten the life of the bulbs. To avoid moisture problems, control humidity in your bathroom by running your ventilating fan during and 15 minutes after showers and baths.

Save Money, Energy & the Environment by Switching to CFLs:
Save Money By Saving Energy
Save the Environment
Eighteen Seconds Could Save You $35

CFL Mercury Levels & Recycling
Mercury Levels Contained in CFLs
Recycling CFLs
More information from Waste Management® about recycling CFLs