ENERGY STAR^® Qualified Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) Fact Sheet

ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) can last up to ten times longer than standard bulbs and use a lot less energy, which saves you time and money, and helps to protect our environment.

• Use at least two-thirds less energy than standard bulbs and last at least six times longer
• On average, can save you twenty-five dollars in energy costs per bulb
• Are convenient for hard-to-reach and hig-use areas, as they don't need to be replaced as often
• Are available in different sizes and shapes including mini-spiral, spiral and A-line, which fit in almost any fixture—table and floor lamps, ceiling mounted fixtures, sconces, porch lights, etc.
• Generate 70 percent less heat than standard lighting, which can reduce energy costs associated with cooling
• Provide the same amound of light (lumens) as standard incandescent bulbs, but hav lower wattage ratings. (See chart below for comparisons)
• Can each prevent more than 500 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions
• Are backed by a minimum two-year warranty

Always refer to the lumens, or light output, on the product packaging as your guide to find the best CFL to meet your lighting needs. For example, if you want a light bulb that gives off the same amount of light as a 60W incandescent bulb, look for an ENERGY STAR qualified bulb with a light output of 800 lumens or more.

• ENERGY STAR qualified lighting doesn't stop at light bulbs. You'll find the label on light fixtures, too. In fact, ENERGY STAR qualified light fixtures come in hundreds of popular styles including portable fixtures—such as table, desk, floor and torchiere lamps—and hard-wired fixtures such as outdoor, cabinet, suspended, ceiling-mount, recessed, wall-mount, and ceiling fans.
• More than forty product categories feature the ENERGY STAR and the list of products continues to grow! Visit www.energystar.gov or call 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937 to learn more.

*Based on replacement of a kitchen ceiling light, living room table lamp, living room torchiere, bathroom bar or wall mounted light, and outdoor wall-mounted light.

**This article has been reprinted from the ENERGY STAR^® website.

• Change a Light, Change the World: Main Page
• Eight Ways to Save with Lighting
• Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs Fact Sheet
• Lighting Technologies: A Guide to Energy-efficient Lighting
• CFL Disposal