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Myths & Facts About Compact Fluorescent Lamps

As many consumers seek to save money and the planet, they are choosing energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) over the traditional incandescent lighting. However, some consumers are concerned about safety issues and potential inconvenience that CFLs pose.

  1. Myth: CFLs contain toxic levels of mercury

    • Fact: According to the EPA, a CFL bulb contains much less mercury than the average thermometer. Further, the bulbs do not release mercury while in use.

    Myth: It's hard to dispose of CFLs

    • Fact: Consumers should avoid disposing of a CFL bulb in the regular household trash, in order to limit the amount of mercury accumulating in landfills. However, several national retailers now accept unbroken CFLs for recycling, including Home Depot, Ikea, and some Ace and True Value stores. Also check with your local garbage service to find out whether they offer CFL recycling.

    Myth: CFLs give a cold blue light

    • Fact: Today, you can find CFLs that emit the warmer spectrum of light that used to belong only to incandescents. When choosing a CFL bulb, check the package for a color temperature of 2,700 to 3,000 Kelvin in order to get that warmer, whiter light.

    Myth: CFLs cost too much

    • Fact: Consumer Reports notes that you can save at least $30 per bulb over a CFL's life, particularly now that prices have decreased. Testing by Consumer Reports revealed that CFL bulbs will last 5 to 10 times as long as regular bulbs, with Energy Star-qualified models using only 25% of the power required by incandescent bulbs.

    Myth: They can't be dimmed

    • Fact: You can now find dimmable CFLs for fixtures with dimmer switches. The dimmable bulbs retain their energy efficiency and cost savings.

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