Credit: This resource is a revised version of the fact sheet UF/IFAS – Energy Efficient Homes: Fluorescent Lighting (EDIS-FCS3270), by Kathleen C. Ruppert, Wendell A. Porter, Randall A. Cantrell, Christine Swanson, and Hyun-Jeong Lee.
- Compact fluorescent lamps/bulbs, commonly referred to as CFLs, cost less than regular incandescent lighting in three ways.
- CFLs consume significantly less energy than incandescent bulbs. To produce the same brightness, an ENERGY STAR® certified CFL uses only about ¼ of the energy that an incandescent bulb uses.
- By using ENERGY STAR® certified CFLs, you’ll save on air conditioning costs because they generate ¾ less heat than regular incandescent bulbs.
- An ENERGY STAR® certified CFL lasts up to 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb. This means fewer bulbs to purchase and fewer trips to the store, saving you both the time and the travel costs you would normally spend on replacing burned-out incandescent bulbs.
- Replacing incandescent bulbs with ENERGY STAR® certified CFLs in the rooms where you spend the most time, like your family room, living room, and kitchen, will result in tangible dollar savings and comfort.
- Fluorescent lighting is available in varieties to suit almost any need from ambient mood lighting to crisp task lighting.
Terms to Help You Get Started
- ballast: The device that stabilizes the electric current for stable operation of a bulb. Depending on the bulb, it can either be attached to the bulb (generally as in compact fluorescent bulbs) or be a part of the fixture (as with pin-based and fluorescent tubes). Units with separate ballasts and bulbs are preferable because ballasts last much longer than bulbs.
- bulb, lamp vs. fixture: Lamp is the industry term for what we commonly refer to as a light bulb, whereas a fixture is the housing unit that connects the bulb (lamp) to a power source.
- CCT (Color Correlated Temperature): A measurement of the appearance in tone of any given light source, i.e., how “warm” or “cool” it is, with “warm” being closer to the yellow/orange end of the color spectrum, and “cool” being closer to the bluish end. Measured in Kelvin (K) temperatures.
- CRI (Color Rendering Index): A measurement of how accurately the emitted light renders the color of illuminated objects.
- CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lamp): A fluorescent tube of small diameter wound into a coil, spiral, or typical incandescent bulb shape so that it is comparable in size and shape to conventional incandescent light bulbs.
- efficacy: See Lumens per watt (LPW).
- fluorescent: Light source that, when electrical current is applied, glows because of a chain of events initiated by the current’s arc.
- hardwired (dedicated) systems: These systems consist of a ballast and fluorescent bulb socket permanently wired into a fixture by the manufacturer, or as part of a retrofit kit.
- incandescent: Light source that glows because of its filament being heated to a high temperature.
- integral light: Bulbs that combine a bulb, ballast, and standard screw base in a single sealed assembly, which must be discarded when the bulb burns out. They can be installed in any standard screw-type light fixture where incandescent bulbs are normally used.
- Kelvin (K): A measurement for the characteristics of visible light in determining color temperature, often used for categorizing CCT.
- kilowatt-hour (kWh): Used on utility bills to define a unit of energy usage, e.g. a 100-watt light bulb (0.1 kW) used for 10 hours (0.1 kW x 10h) consumes 1 kilowatt-hour of energy during that time.
- lumens: Units of measurement for brightness issued by a light source, e.g. a candle generates about 13 lumens while a 100-watt incandescent bulb generates about 1,750 lumens.
- lumens per watt (LPW): An indicator of a bulb’s efficiency determined by dividing the number of lumens generated (as indicated on the packaging by the bulb manufacturer) by its wattage; the higher the LPW, the greater the efficiency. Sometimes referred to as efficacy.
- mercury: One of earth’s natural metallic elements used in small amounts in CFLs and fluorescent tubes that requires special handling because of its behavior when exposed to air.
- modular units: This type of unit has a separate two- or four-pin base bulb that plugs into a separate adapter or ballast. When the bulb burns out, a relatively inexpensive replacement bulb can be installed in the original ballast and pin base.
- reflector bulbs: Perfect for providing directional light, as with recessed lights in kitchens or ceiling fans. There are outdoor reflector bulbs as well that are generally much larger than the reflectors designed for indoor use. The outdoor types are sealed to withstand the weather and generally should not be used with timers, photocells, and motion sensors unless otherwise specified on the package.
- watt: A unit of electrical power/power consumption.
How much would I save by switching to compact fluorescent bulbs?
Let’s compare an incandescent bulb and a CFL with the same light output. A 60-watt bulb does not necessarily provide more illumination than a 15-watt bulb. Why? Because watts measure energy use while lumens measure light output. Lumen information appears on bulb packaging. For example, a 60-watt incandescent bulb produces about 800 lumens. You can replace this 60-watt incandescent bulb with a 15-watt CFL and get the same amount of lumens (light output), but the CFL will use 45 watts less energy (U.S. Department of Energy, n.d.a.). See Table 1 to compare estimated purchase price and residential energy costs of three different lighting technologies with similar light output (lumens): incandescent, CFL, and Light emitting diode (LED).
Table 1. Estimated Cost to Household Comparison: Incandescent, CFLs, and LED Bulbs
|Bulb Characteristics by Type and Light Output A||25,000 Hour Comparison B|
|A Bulb Power is given in watts and Rated Life is given in hours as per industry standards. Estimated bulb per unit purchasing costs do not include taxes, shipping, handling fees, recycling fees, or travel expenses associated with acquisition of bulbs at point of purchase, nor do they include additional taxes, fees, or charges required by your utility provider. Note: Actual lumens, bulb cost, and rated life vary by product. Utility rates vary by provider.|
|B Energy Use [kWh] is reported in kilowatt hours and Energy Cost [$] assumes an average electricity rate of $0.12 per kWh. The Units [#] calculation is ( 25,000 Hours / Rated Life ) rounded to the nearest whole number. The Energy Use [kWh] calculation is ( 25,000 Hours * Power / 1,000 watts per kWh ). The Bulb Cost [$] calculation is ( Unit Cost [$] * Units [#] ). The Energy Cost [$] calculation is ( Energy Use [kWh] * $0.12 per kWh ). The Total Cost [$] calculation is ( Bulb Cost [$] * Energy Cost [$] ).|
See the potential savings when choosing more energy efficient bulbs for your home by using the Savings Calculator for ENERGY STAR® Certified Light Bulbs easy to use spreadsheet under the Resources section.
Is it true that fluorescent lighting is harsher than incandescent?
This is not necessarily true. Two factors, the Color Rendering Index (CRI) and Color Correlated Temperature (CCT, sometimes called K), affect a light’s harshness. Fluorescent lighting is generally more uniform than other light sources.
What is the Color Rendering Index (CRI)?
CRI measures the perceived color of objects under artificial light on a scale of 0 to 100. The higher the number, the more natural and vibrant an object will appear. Incandescent bulbs usually have CRI values of 100. Old-style fluorescents had values of 62, at best, which is why people used to complain that fluorescents gave false colors. A CFL with a CRI of 80 or more is suitable for everyday residential use.
What is the Color Correlated Temperature (CCT)?
CCT is a measurement of the appearance of the light source itself, how “warm” or “cool” it seems. It is measured in Kelvin Temperature from 0 to 10,000+ and expressed as (K). Oddly, the lower the Kelvin number is, the warmer (more yellow) the light color. As the number goes up, the bluer the light source will be. For instance, a CCT of a standard incandescent bulb can range from 2800K to 3100K, which provides warm, white lights. A fluorescent with a CCT of 3000K will provide the same warm, white light that an incandescent bulb produces. A 3500K fluorescent bulb gives about the same light as a halogen. Some bulb manufacturers promote 5000K to 6000K, which produces cooler (bluer), white light, as a daylight bulb.
What should I look for when purchasing bulbs?
Compare brands for price, lumens per watt (LPW) and hours of life. To calculate lumens per watt, divide the lumens by the watts. For instance, an 800-lumen 60-watt incandescent bulb would have a LPW of approximately 13 (800 divided by 60); an 800-lumen 15-watt CFL would have a LPW of about 53 (800 divided by 15); an 800-lumen 9 watt LED would have a LPW of about 88. Remember, the higher the LPW, the greater the efficiency and the more light you receive for the energy used.
As a result of changes in the Appliance Labeling Rule, renamed the “Energy Labeling Rule,” comparing light bulbs is now much easier (Federal Register, 2015). The label on the front of the package must include brightness (lumens) and estimated annual energy cost of using the bulb 3 hours per day at a rate of 11 cents per kWh. A “lighting facts” label, as seen in Figure 1, must also be on the side or back of the package. This label must include information on brightness (lumens), energy cost, bulb life, color temperature (CCT), wattage and, in some cases, voltage and mercury information. For more information on the “light bulb law,” see the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) Frequently Asked Questions.
On newer packaging, you will be able to locate the “light appearance” or CCT information on the “lighting facts” label. See Figure 1 as an example. On older packaging, compare CRI and Kelvin Temperature (CCT) if displayed on the product package—CRI will be a 2-digit number and Kelvin will be a 4-digit number with K, for example, 3500K. For an idea of how a room will look in varying shades of white light (warm–yellow or cool–blue), see the ENERGY STAR® Choose a Light Guide.
Instructions for Appropriate Use
When you purchase a bulb, check its packaging for any restrictions on use. For example, some bulbs should not be used in enclosed fixtures and some may specify that the base be up or down. Many are for specific fixtures, such as recessed cans, dimmer switches or outdoor fixtures. Bulbs used incorrectly can cause fire and/or electric shock. This pertains to all bulbs, such as using a 100-watt bulb in a fixture that calls for 40 watts.
There have been some reports of people experiencing health issues as a result of operating CFLs in the home. An online document from the Government of Canada may be of assistance in this regard. Contact your personal physician if you have questions as the authors of this document cannot address medical concerns.
Can I use dimmers or 3-way switches with CFLs?
Yes, but you need to find the right bulbs. Manufacturers produce CFLs that will work in standard incandescent fixtures with dimmers or 3-way switches, but using the wrong kind can be dangerous and costly if the bulb fails. Read package directions carefully to pick the right CFL for your purpose. Incorrectly installed bulbs can cause fires.
What’s different about an ENERGY STAR® certified CFL?
A CFL must meet specific criteria to earn the ENERGY STAR® certified label.). These criteria include very specific requirements for efficacy (LPW), CRI, CCT, product packaging, and warranty provisions.
The ENERGY STAR® website has links to a wealth of information to help you select and purchase CFLs (ENERGY STAR®, n.d.a.). See the ENERGY STAR® program requirements for all lamps (light bulbs) or the light bulb key product criteria.
What’s different about ENERGY STAR® certified lighting fixtures?
Light fixtures that have earned the ENERGY STAR® label combine exceptional features while using less energy. Compared with traditional or standard fixtures, certified fixtures (ENERGY STAR®, n.d.b.):
- Use 70 to 90 percent less energy and produce about 70 to 90 percent less heat than typical models using incandescent light bulbs;
- Deliver convenient features such as dimming capability on some indoor models (fixture must have a dimming ballast to be dimmable), and automatic daylight shut-off and motion sensors on some outdoor models; and
- Carry a manufacturer-backed warranty of at least three years.
Should I turn off the fluorescent lights when I leave the room to save more?
Contrary to popular belief, turning off fluorescent lights really does save energy. Frequent switching may shorten bulb life, but electric bill savings will more than compensate for the shorter lifespan, especially if you end up using more CFLs than incandescent bulbs. The U.S. Department of Energy (n.d.b.) recommends that you turn off fixtures using CFLS if you will be out of the room for more than 15 minutes. See the publication, When To Turn Off Your Lights for specific recommendations.
I’ve heard that CFLs (like other fluorescent tubes) contain mercury—how do I dispose of them? What if I accidentally break one?
As a general rule of thumb, CFLs require special handling, so don’t throw them away with the regular household trash. While CFLs can be recycled, they should not be thrown into your recycle bin either. Check the Environmental Protection Agency or LampRecycle.org, call 1-800-CLEAN-UP or access Earth911, or contact your local waste-management agency for proper disposal guidelines in your community.
For current information on what to do and what not to do when a CFL is broken, refer to the Environmental Protection Agency. Note that this same website also contains links to information on proper disposal.
By using CFLs, you can reduce power demand that will help reduce mercury emissions from power plants. Mercury emissions in the air come from both natural and manufactured sources. Coal-fired power plants are the largest contributors because the naturally occurring mercury in the coal is released into the air when coal is burned to make electricity. In fact, coal-fired power generation is responsible for more than 50% of the mercury emissions in the United States (ENERGY STAR®, November 2010). Though fluorescent bulbs do contain very small amounts of mercury—an average of 4 milligrams compared to older thermometers containing about 500 milligrams—it is sealed within the glass tubing and is not released when the CFL is intact or in use. Moreover, with proper handling, mercury in the CFLs can be recaptured through recycling.
As a result of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, effective January 1, 2012, “screw-based light bulbs will use fewer watts for a similar lumen output. The standards are technology neutral, which means any type of bulb can be sold as long as it meets the efficiency requirements.” (EISA FAQs) The way we shop for bulbs changed from looking at watts (how much energy is used) to looking at lumens (brightness of the light). By the year 2020 most light bulbs must be 60%-70% more efficient than incandescent bulbs are today. CFLs were one of the first technologies to address a more energy-efficient light bulb for the homeowner. Today LEDs are even more energy efficient than CFLs and are also an affordable lighting for the homeowner as they continue to increase in performance while decreasing in price. The future is getting brighter.
For more information on the “light bulb law”, see Energy Independence and Security Act FAQs.
ENERGY STAR® Product Finder
The table(s) below offer a real-time list of ENERGY STAR® Certified products related to this fact sheet. Using the vertical and horizontal scroll bars, you can look for specific manufacturer brand names, model numbers, and compare a variety of product specifications and energy performance metrics. Individual columns can be filtered using the column specific “Menu” icons adjacent to their “Information” icons. The entire dataset can be searched using the “Magnifying Glass” icon in the dark grey bar at the top of the table.
Certified Light Bulbs
Certified Lighting Fixtures
References and Resources
Earth 911. Retrieved May 16, 2015.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency / U.S. Department of Energy ENERGY STAR. Energy Independence and Security Act FAQs. Retrieved May 15, 2015.
Federal Register. (May 13, 2015). Energy and Water Use Labeling for Consumer Products under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (“Energy Labeling Rule”), 16 CFR Part 305. Retrieved May 15, 2015.
Federal Trade Commission. (June 14, 2011). FTC Materials will help shoppers understand new light bulb labels coming in 2012. Retrieved May 4, 2015.
Government of Canada. (February 24, 2014). The safety of compact fluorescent lamps. Retrieved May 16, 2015.
Lamp Recycle Organization. Retrieved May 16, 2015.
Miller, C., Sullivan, J., and Ahrentzen, S. (2012). Energy Efficient Building Construction in Florida. ISBN 978-0-9852487-0-3. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.
U.S. Department of Energy. How energy-efficient light bulbs compare with traditional incandescents. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
U.S. Department of Energy. Energy Savers – When to turn off your lights. Retrieved April 29, 2015.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (June 27, 2014). Recycling mercury-containing light bulbs (lamps). Retrieved May 16, 2015.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Backgrounder. (Spring 2011). Energy independence and security act of 2007 (EISA) frequently asked questions. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ENERGY STAR®. (September 2014.) ENERGY STAR® Program Requirements for Lamps (Light Bulbs): Partner Commitments). Retrieved May 15, 2015.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ENERGY STAR®. (November 2010). Frequently asked questions: Information on compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and Mercury, November 2010. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ENERGY STAR®. Light bulb key product criteria. Retrieved May 15, 2015.
U.S, Environmental Protection Agency, ENERGY STAR®. Light bulbs for consumers. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ENERGY STAR®. Residential light fixtures for consumers. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ENERGY STAR®. Savings calculator for ENERGY STAR® certified light bulbs. Retrieved May 15, 2015.
 This document is FCS3270 Energy Efficient Homes: Compact Fluorescent Lamps, which was originally titled Energy Efficient Homes: Fluorescent Lighting , one of an Energy Efficient Homes series of the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. This material was initially prepared in June 2008 with the support of the Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Energy Office, which is now the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Office of Energy. Revised versions were prepared June 2012 and May 2015 with the support of the Florida Energy Systems Consortium. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily express the views of the sponsoring organizations. Please visit the EDIS website.
 Kathleen C. Ruppert, Extension scientist, Program for Resource Efficient Communities; Wendell A. Porter, lecturer and P.E., Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering; Randall A. Cantrell, assistant professor, Department of Family,Youth and Community Sciences; Christine Swanson, program assistant, Program for Resource Efficient Communities; and Hyun-Jeong Lee, former assistant professor, Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611.
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other UF/IFAS Extension publications, contact your county’s UF/IFAS Extension office.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, UF/IFAS Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A & M University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Nick T. Place, dean for UF/IFAS Extension.