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Conserve Energy

CFLs use one quarter of the energy of a comparable incandescent bulb. Each CFL can save more than 400 pounds of coal over its lifetime.

• National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency
• Steps beyond CFLs for saving energy

Cut Air Pollution

Most electricity in NC comes from burning coal, oil and other fossil fuels. This creates pollution that contributes to ozone, haze, climate change and other air quality problems. If every NC home replaced just one standard bulb with a CFL, it would reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the air by 217 million pounds per year.

• N.C. Electricity Facts
• EPA Emissions Database

Save Money

CFLs last up to 10 times longer than standard bulbs, and each CFL saves about $40 in electricity over its lifetime.

• CFL Savings Calculator
• Find special offers
• Find CFL giveaway events

Choosing a CFL

To replace standard soft white bulbs, choose a warm white or soft white CFL. For brighter light for reading and tasks, choose a cool white or daylight CFL.

• CFLs and Color
• CFLs and Dimmers
• CFL Sizes and Shapes
• Presentation on lights and color/temperature (ppt)
• More…

CFLs and Mercury

All fluorescent light bulbs- including CFLs- contain small amounts of mercury, so recycle or dispose of them properly. Using CFLs actually reduces mercury in the environment, because burning coal for electricity produces mercury, and CFLs save so much electricity.

• What to do if a CFL breaks in your home or business (US EPA)
• Locate Disposal Centers
• Download EPA factsheet (pdf)
• More…

Download handout version of the information on this page (pdf format).