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Syndicate
Nov
19
| Ask The Expert - Are All CFLs Alike? |
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| Monday, 19 November 2007 | |
 Dear NNN,
I've seen compact fluorescent bulbs on sale 3 for $1, or $1 apiece, but I've also seen them at $10 each in some stores. Is there any difference between one CFL and another? If there is, what should I look for to be sure I get a good one? Are there any safety concerns with using the cheaper ones?
Signed,
Frugal but skeptical
Click on "Read more" for the response from energy expert Karina Lutz.
Dear Frugal,
The less-expensive compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs you see aren't really "cheaper" -- they are subsidized with incentives to participating retailers from the National Grid-administered energy efficiency program.
The utility used to provide a rebate directly to customers to encourage them to choose CFLs, but now works with retailers to lower the price and promote the bulbs. This program is intended to phase out when "market transformation" occurs -- that is, when everyone knows that even at $7 to $10 each, CFLs are a bargain compared to incandescents, and everyone starts making the smart choice. At one-quarter to one-third the electricity use, CFLs save money on your energy bills. And they are less expensive to buy than the handful of incandescents that would be needed over the lifetime of one compact fluorescent.
Still, it's good to be on the lookout for quality CFLs. Good old UL labels ensure electrical safety. EnergyStar labels are granted by the U.S. EPA to bulbs that stand up to tests for quality. Consumer Reports tested various CFLs and concluded that you should buy only EnergyStar bulbs. If you are a subscriber, you can access the Consumer Reports Web site for more details on brand ratings, or check the library for the October 2007 issue.
Anecdotally, I've heard that more off-brand CFLs lately have been burning out before their time, often within weeks of installation. If you encounter these, please return them where you bought them -- as an effort to stem the tide of declining quality. And let National Grid's EnergyWise program know what brand it was if it was one of the discounted bulbs.
Be aware that CFLs do contain small amounts of mercury. If any CFL breaks, be sure to handle the broken bulb carefully to avoid mercury contamination. Click here for more info on safe handling of the bulbs.
Because of the mercury, used-up bulbs must be treated as hazardous waste. Take them with your other household hazardous waste to the Eco-Depot.
Karina Lutz is director of development and advocacy for People's Power & Light and Massachusetts Energy Consumers Alliance.
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Comments
2008-01-0308:57:04 […] To learn more about CFLs, go to the EnergyStar Web site or this recent NNN Ask The Expert post. […]