ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs use up to 75% less energy and last
6-10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. They are available in
a variety of shapes and styles, including spirals, mini-spirals,
A-lamps, globes, 3-way bulbs, dimmable bulbs, reflectors, and
flood lamps.
| LIPA Rebates:
The following rebates are available
from September 1, 2008 - November 30, 2008:
•
$.50 per bulb per pack on select ENERGY STAR
qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs.
The following instant rebates are available
from January 1, 2008 – December 31, 2008:
$2.00 per pack on specialty lamps (globes,
A-lamps, 3-way bulbs and dimmable bulbs), $2.50
off per pack on high heat tested reflector lamps
for use in high hats and $2.00 per pack rebate
on
cold cathode light bulbs. (A cold cathode is
much like neon lighting, and it has one of the
longest lives of any lighting fixture at about
50,000 hours.)
•
Participating Retailers
•
Specialty Lamp Retailers
•
Reflector Lamp Retailers
•
Cold
Cathode Bulb Retailers
• Questions? 1-877-654-5472 |
|
CFL Usage
While some CFLs can be used on dimming circuits, others
should only be used with basic on/off switches. If you
attempt to use a standard CFL bulb with a dimming control,
you will shorten the product life and create a potential
fire hazard.
A regular CFL bulb can be used in a fixture
with a 3-way switch; however, it will only provide one level
of brightness and will only illuminate in the second or
third position. For best results in a 3-way or dimmable
fixture, look for a CFL bulb specifically designed for its
use.
ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs are manufactured to last a
minimum of 6,000 hours under normal operating conditions.
However, using them in temperatures hotter or colder than
room temperature could affect their rated life. Outdoor
bulbs should be protected within a fixture rather than
exposed directly to the elements. In addition, using CFLs in
poorly ventilated fixtures or recessed lights could result
in heat buildup. For best results in recessed cans, use CFL
reflector bulbs specially designated for this type of
fixture.
What should I do if a CFL breaks?
Fluorescent light bulbs contain a very small amount of
mercury sealed within the glass tubing. EPA recommends the
following
clean-up and disposal guidelines.
Installation
Installing a CFL isn't much different than installing an
incandescent bulb; however, please keep these safety tips in
mind. First, hold the CFLby its base, rather than by the
glass tube, to prevent cracking. (Cracked tubes shorten the
bulb's life.) Second, make sure the new bulb fits easily. Do
not allow the lamp shade or harp to press against the glass.
If a CFL should happen to break during installation (or
anytime) first ventilate the room by opening doors and/or
windows in the vicinity of the bulb. Second, clean up the
area with a disposable rag (do not vacuum). Place the bulb
contents in a closed container. For added safety, do not
touch the bulb contents with your bare hands.
Disposal
Fluorescent lamps use less energy to operate and last
longer than conventional bulbs, which is beneficial to the
environment. However, like many products today, CFLs contain
a small amount of mercury which is a required component that
allows them to operate. (Other products that contain mercury
include thermometers, thermostats, switches, medical and
scientific instruments, electrical relays, and batteries.)
Because mercury in the environment can build up over time,
proper disposal of products that contain mercury will help
keep our environment safe for future generations. For
information about proper disposal of CFLs and other
hazardous household materials, contact your local solid
waste management authority or call the New York State Bureau
of Solid Waste, Reduction and Recycling at518-402-8629.
Information for New York residents about CFL recycling is
also available by calling the Small Quantity Generator
Hotline at 1-800-462-6553 or 518-402-8633.Information can
also be found on the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation Web site
www.dec.ny.gov.
Many townships offer a household hazardous waste collection
day. A list of participating household waste collection
programs by town can be found on the following site
www.epa.gov/bulbrecycling.
Clean Energy Initiative
ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs save energy and money because they
cost less to operate. For example, a CFL that uses only 14 watts
gives the same light output as an incandescent bulb that uses 60
watts. Using CFLs also helps the environment because, since they
use less energy to operate, less pollution from energy
production is created. Finally, CFLs save time. A CFL that is
used for 5 hours a day should last at least 3 years, while an
incandescent bulb used for 5 hours a day will only last about 6
months. Using a CFL instead of an incandescent bulb means fewer
trips to the store to purchase replacement bulbs, and less time
spent changing burned out bulbs.
