Q. How do CFLs work?
A. Unlike incandescent bulbs which use a filament, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) give off light when a mixture of gases are exposed to ultraviolet light from mercury atoms.
Q. How much can I save if I use CFLs?
A. On average you can expect to save $30 or more in energy costs over the life of the bulb. CFLs do cost more upfront, but this cost is recovered after using the CFL for 500 hours.
Q. Where is the best place to use a CFL?
A. For the biggest energy savings, replace standard incandescent light bulbs that are used for several hours at a time, like a porch light or an area light.
Q. Is it a good idea to turn CFL bulbs off when I leave the room?
A. Yes! Turning off lights always saves energy. Turning a CFL bulb on and off very frequently (i.e. flipping the switch up and down) will shorten its life. A good rule-of-thumb might be to turn off the lights whenever you leave the room for five minutes or more.
Q. Do CFL bulbs work outdoors?
A. CFL bulbs generally work fine outdoors. They should always be protected against rain and snow.
Q. Do CFLs have a longer life than incandescent bulbs?
A. Incandescent bulbs generally last 500 to 2,000 hours. ENERGY STAR® qualified CFLs are guaranteed for 6,000 hours.
Q. How do I get the $2 instant rebate?
A. You must visit a participating retailer and fill out the in-store coupon to receive the $2 instant rebate. Rebates are valid on ENERGY STAR qualified CFL purchases of 12 bulbs or less.
Q: How can I tell if something is ENERGY STAR qualified?
A: The easiest way is to look at the product packaging. If you do not see a label on the packaging, you should ask the sales clerk to help you.
Q. Do CFL bulbs flicker and hum?
A. Today's ENERGY STAR qualified CFL bulbs turn on almost instantly, are quiet and don't flicker.
Q. I tried CFL bulbs a few years ago and didn't like them. What's changed?
A. Early CFL bulbs were expensive and many people didn't like their performance. Users complained about:
Today's ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs are a whole new generation of products. They cost much less while offering great performance. You can buy CFLs with as much light output as you want. They turn on almost instantly, are quiet and don't flicker. Light quality is excellent. CFLs come in a wide variety of shapes, most of which are no larger than the standard bulbs they replace. They also last much longer than standard bulbs.
Q. Do CFL bulbs burn out?
A. A CFL bulb will occasionally burn out. More often, it will continue to operate, gradually producing less light as it ages. However, ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs must produce at least 80 percent of their rated light output at 40 percent of their rated life.
If your CFL bulb fails out of the package or before the manufacturer's warranty expires, you can usually return it to or contact the manufacturer, who is ultimately responsible for warranty claims. Be sure to save the proof-of-purchase and register receipt to document your claim.