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Energy Savings  By Haydn Dunn

 

CFL Light Bulbs

A compact fluorescent lamp (CFL), also known as a compact fluorescent light bulb (or less commonly as a compact fluorescent tube [CFT]) is a type of fluorescent lamp. Many CFLs are designed to replace an incandescent lamp and can fit in the existing light fixtures formerly used for incandescents.
Compared to general service incandescent lamps giving the same amount of visible light, CFLs use less power and have a longer rated life

 

CFL Bulbs Vs Incandescent lamps

CFL VS Incandescent For a given light output, CFLs use between one fifth and one quarter of the power of an equivalent incandescent lamp. Since lighting accounted for approximately 9% of household electricity usage in the United States in 2001, widespread use of CFLs could save as much as 7% from household usage.

If incandescent lamps are replaced by CFLs the heat produced by the building's lighting system will be reduced. At times when the building requires both heating and lighting, the building's central heating system will then supply the heat.

 

They save energy, and money spent on electric bills. There's a slight problem with these bulbs, though. They contain mercury, a toxic element. Not much per bulb, I'm sure. These bulbs usually get thrown out with the regular garbage.

Look at the box that one of these CFL bulbs comes in. It'll have some fine print in one corner that will mention correct disposal, and list the website http://www.lamprecycle.org/. They list many resources there for disposing of CFL bulbs

 

If your local waste management agency offers no other options except your local garbage, place the CFL in a plastic bag and seal it before putting it in the trash. If your waste area incinerates its garbage, you should search a wider geographic area for proper disposal options. Never send a CFL or other mercury containing products to an incinerator.

 

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