compact fluorescent light bulbs
Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are a good choice for home lighting because they use less energy than incandescent bulbs, produce the same light output, and last up to 10 times longer. Each bulb can save $40 or more in electricity costs over its lifetime. Read more.
recycling and disposal of cfls
Requirements for CFL recycling vary by state. For more information, visit www.epa.gov/cfl.
Lighting is one of the easiest areas for making changes that will save energy and money. Here are some energy-saving lighting tips:
Turn off lights when not in use.
Use low-watt bulbs where lighting is not critical.
Place floor lamps and hanging lamps in corners. The reflection off the walls gives you more light.
Turn off outdoor lighting during the day. Use timer switches or photoelectric controls so you don’t have to remember to turn it off every day.
Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Incandescent bulbs release about 90 percent of their energy in the form of heat, not light. CFLs use 75 percent less energy and last 10 times longer. Read about choosing CFLs and how to dispose of them.
Consider using Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) where possible. Low-powered LEDs have been used for years to illuminate buttons on stereos and computers, but newer, high-powered LEDs can be used in some standard lighting fixtures. As LED technology improves and prices drop, this type of lighting will probably be much more popular in homes.
Go to the Energy Library to read more about CFLs and other ways to save on lighting costs.