Energy Conservation - CFLS

CFLs or Compact Fluorescent Lamps have been showing up in the news and in any conservation information as something you can do to save energy in a relatively inexpensive way. And it’s true. CFLs can use up to 75% less energy than an equivalent incandescent bulb. Even though CFLs cost more initially, they will last from 6-15 times longer than an incandescent. There is also a huge safety component to compact fluorescents in that they give off very little heat so you are less likely to get burned when using them and they are less of a fire hazard. 
 
How CFLs Work

Fluorescent bulbs have two parts: a gas-filled tube and a ballast. When electricity from the ballast flows through the tube, it causes the gas to glow with ultraviolet light. A white phosphor coating on the inside of the tube is “excited” by the action and emits a visible light throughout the surface of the tube. The longer the tube, the brighter the light.
CFLs are designed to operate within a specific temperature range. Once outside a bulb’s optimum temperature range, the light output is reduced making them less efficient. There are CFLs designed for outdoor use so be sure to check the packaging for the optimum temperature range so you get the proper bulb.

How CFLs Benefit the Environment

If every home in America replaced just one incandescent light bulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified CFL, in one year it would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of more than 800,000 cars. People all over the United States are committing to help the environment by switching to CFLs.

Purchasing and Recycling Lamps

You can purchase Compact Fluorescent Lamps almost anywhere you can purchase incandescent bulbs.  Right now through Focus On Energy there is a $2 rebate on any CFL you purchase up to 12 as long as your electric utility is a part of the program. YES, OEC IS PART OF THE CFL REBATE PROGRAM.  As I was checking into the recycling of CFLs, I visited the United True Value Hardware store in Oconto Falls.  I found that through the end of March not only are CFLs on sale, but the Focus On Energy rebate will immediately be deducted from the price of the bulb.  You don’t have to mail in anything.

CFLs have a small amount of mercury in them so when they do burn out they should be recycled.  Click here for a partial list of retail stores in Oconto, Marinette and Shawano counties that will gladly accept your burned out CFLs at no charge.  There was not room to print the entire list, but you can find the locations in each Wisconsin county by going to www.focusonenergy.com, click on the residential programs tab and then click on Lighting.