Business/Program Partner Login
Currently under maintenance.
NYSERDA
|
Home : Energy Efficient Products : Lighting : CFLs : Choosing the Right CFL
Choosing the Right CFLWhen shopping for a CFL purchase only those that have the ENERGY STAR label. The ENERGY STAR label indicates that the CFL meets strict energy-efficiency and quality guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy. CFLs must pass rigorous third-party testing in order to be ENERGY STAR qualified. Non ENERGY STAR CFLs are not subjected to extensive testing and do not last as long as ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs. All ENERGY STAR CFLs carry a minimum two-year warranty. Although CFLs go through rigorous testing, there may be a product that does not perform as advertised. Studies have shown that if a CFL fails, it will be within the first few months of its operation. In order to be eligible for the warranty and a free replacement CFL from the manufacturer, be sure to keep the receipt from your CFL purchase. You will need to bring your receipt and the burnt out CFL to the location where you purchased it to obtain your free CFL replacement. Picking the right color CFLCFLs are a new technology that is much different than incandescents. Unlike incandescents, CFLs can emit a variety of colors because manufacturers use different Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) when manufacturing CFLs. CCT is a measurement of light temperature that is commonly used to classify different hues, tones, and colors of ENERGY STAR CFLs. Unlike incandescents, ENERGY STAR CFLs come in a wide variety of colors based on the Kelvin (K) scale. CFLs are sold in different CCTs, so they can be tailored for different decors (warm or cool) which is something incandescent bulbs cannot offer. Be sure to check the packaging to see what type of color temperature, or CCT, you are purchasing. Lower Kelvin (K) numbers mean the light has a warmer color while higher Kelvin (K) numbers mean the light has a cooler color. The most common CCT types are warm (or soft) white and daylight (natural light, bright white). The most popular CCT’s for warm or soft white are 2700K and 3100K. This color range is most compatible to an incandescent hue. This CCT enhances warmer colors (red, yellow, orange) found in your home. The most popular CCT’s for “daylight,” “natural light,” or “sunlight” are 3500K, 4100K, 5000K, and 6500K. This color range is most compatible to natural sunlight or day light. This CCT enhances cooler colors (blue, green, violet) in your home. Common Applications for CFLs ENERGY STAR CFLs come in all shapes and sizes. If you have a lamp or fixture, there is a CFL that will fit in it. Retailers have seen the benefit of carrying ENERGY STAR CFLs, and now offer a more diverse product line that includes 3-way, dimmable, recessed cans, flood, and candelabra-based CFLs. ENERGY STAR CFLs are compliant with ENERGY STAR light fixtures. ENERGY STAR CFLs can also be used with many non-ENERGY STAR fixtures to improve efficiency. The ENERGY STAR qualified GU24 pin-based CFL fits a wide variety of ENERGY STAR fixtures with over 15,000 ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures to choose from. Pin based fixtures use dedicated pin-based CFLs like the GU24 instead of screw-in CFLs. Replacements of the ENERGY STAR GU24 bulbs can be found at retailers near the pin-based fixtures. Because of their long life, ENERGY STAR CFLs are ideal for those hard to reach fixtures such as ceiling fans, other ceiling fixtures, and enclosed outdoor fixtures. You will enjoy the convenience of buying and changing bulbs less frequently while saving money on your energy bills. Click here for more information on how to select the right ENERGY STAR CFL.
CFL Myths
When CFLs were first introduced in the 1990’s, they did not perform as advertised. Improvements were made to the technology and testing procedures were put into place to ensure that all ENERGY STAR CFLs operate as advertised. However, because of initial bad publicity, there are still myths about CFLs that still exist today. CFLs no longer flicker, hum, or buzz, and there is a CFL that will work with any lamp found at retail. Although more advanced than an incandescent, CFLs need to be treated with care. Incorrect installation and use may cause an early product failure. Below are common causes of ENERGY STAR CFL product failure that can be avoided so they last as advertised (up to 10,000 hours). Improper Installation:
Be sure to screw in the CFL by its base (ballast) and not by the glass. Screwing the CFL in by the glass can cause early product failure because the glass will disconnect from the electronic ballast. This is the common cause of CFLs burning out or failing.
Incorrect Applications:
Be sure you use ENERGY STAR CFLs in the correct applications that are listed on the packaging. A common cause of early product failure for ENERGY STAR CFLs is incorrect use, i.e. using a CFL on a dimmer or three-way switch.
Rapid Use:
The operating life of all types of light bulbs is affected by how many times they are turned on and off. The more often they are switched on and off, the lower their operating life. In order to achieve the maximum lifetime of 10,000 hours for your CFL, be sure to install them in fixtures that are used at least 15 minutes at a time or several hours per day. The best fixtures in which to use ENERGY STAR CFLs in are usually the family and living rooms, kitchen, dining room, bedrooms, and outdoors.
Cold Temperatures:
CFLs were not designed to last in the cold New York winters, where the temperature is consistently lower than 40 degrees. Because of this, we recommend you use an outdoor ENERGY STAR CFL and keep it in an enclosed fixture. You can find the suggested temperature range for a CFL on its packaging. These two actions will help it last in the cold. Opting to use a standard ENERGY STAR CFL that does not meet the temperature requirements can lead to early failure of the CFL.
|
SEARCH
ENERGY SAVING TIPS
Consider using window fans, particularly in the evening when you can draw cooler air into the house.
Make sure floor & wall vents are not blocked by draperies, furniture, or rugs.
MEDIA
|