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CFL lightbulb info - recycling - mercury Compact fluorescent lights (CFL) use two-thirds less energy, produce the same amount of light as incandescent light bulbs and will last up to 10 times longer. Given average usage, a CFL bulb only has to be changed once every 5-7 years! To use a compact fluorescent bulb on a dimmer switch, you must use a bulb that's specifically made to work with dimmers (check the package). Compact fluorescent light bulbs may generally be used in enclosed fixtures as long as the enclosed fixture is not recessed. Totally enclosed recessed fixtures (for example, a ceiling can light with a cover over the bulb) create temperatures that are too high to allow the use of a compact fluorescent bulb. Compact fluorescent bulbs contain small amounts of mercury. The mercury poses no threat while in the bulb, but if you break one be careful not to inhale the mercury - immediately use a wet rag to clean it up and put all of the pieces, and the rag, into a plastic bag. How should I clean up a broken fluorescent bulb? click here... If you’re worried about buzzing and flickering problems common with fluorescent tube lights, worry no more – modern compact fluorescent bulbs use electronic ballasts that eliminate those annoyances. Many electronic devices, such as radios, televisions, wireless telephones, and remote controls, use infrared light to transmit signals. Infrequently, these types of electronic devices accidentally interpret the infrared light coming from a compact fluorescent bulb as a signal, causing the electronic device to temporarily malfunction or stop working. (For example, your television might suddenly change channels.) Fortunately, this only happens when light is produced at the same wavelength as the electronic device signals, which is rare. To reduce the chance of interference, avoid placing compact fluorescent bulbs near these kinds of electronic devices. If interference occurs, move the bulb away from the electronic device, or plug either the light fixture or the electronic device into a different outlet. Fluorescent light bulbs use an entirely different method to create light. Both compact fluorescent bulbs and fluorescent tubes contain a gas that, when excited by electricity, hits a coating inside the fluorescent bulb and emits light. (This makes them far more energy-efficient than regular incandescent bulbs.) The fluorescent bulbs used in your home emit only around 30% of their energy in heat, making them far cooler Although household CFL bulbs may legally be disposed of with regular trash (in the US), they are categorized as household hazardous waste. As long as the waste is sent to a modern municipal landfill, the hazard to the environment is limited. However, CFL's should not be sent to an incinerator, which would disperse the mercury into the atmosphere. 3-way CFL are also available. The 12/19/28-watt 3-WAY provides a soft white light similar to a 30/70/100-watt 3-way incandescent lamp. source: |
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