HOW TO SWITCH: A CFL BUYER'S GUIDE

Maximize Your Savings

To start, use CFLs in the areas where lights are left on for long durations of time. Begin by purchasing one CFL to check for preferred light output and colour.

Select your preferred colour

CFLs are available in a range of colour hues. Soft white or warm light have a yellowish hue and are best for indoor lighting at low lighting situations. They will enhance your home’s warm colours (red, orange, yellow). Cool light have a whitish hue and are best for reading and other task lighting. Daylight have a bluish hue and are best in bright lighting situations.

Look for the ENERGY STAR symbol

This is your assurance that the bulb meets quality standards - including long life, brightness and electricity savings - and carries a minimum warranty of 3 to 7 years against all defects. If the bulb fails within the warranty period, return it to our retailer or bulb manufacturer.

SELECT THE RIGHT SHAPE AND SIZE

	Table/Floor Lamp
	Pendant Fixture
	Ceiling Fixture
	Ceiling Fan
	Wall Sconce
	Recessed Can
	Track Lighting
	Outdoor Covered
	Outdoor Exposed

Select the right CFL for your fixture

CFLs are now available for almost all types of fixtures: enclosed, dimmable and tri-light. Always check the package to make sure you choose the right bulb. The life of a CFL can be drastically reduced if the bulb is not meant for the selected fixture.

Different fixtures require different types of bulbs. Using the chart find your fixture and see which CFL will work best for you.

Check the package for wattage and lumens to make sure your CFLs will be bright enough. Remember: the higher the lumens, the brighter the light.

Standard incandescent bulb (watts)	CFL bulbs (approximate equivalent watts)	Light output (approximate lumens)
40	11	450-500
60	13-15	550-900
100	23-29	1,600-1,800

HOUSEHOLD LIGHTING TIPS

Switching to energy-efficient CFLs is one of the smartest investments you can make.

• Start small – Purchase one bulb to check desired light output and colour.
• When shopping for CFLs, remember that specialty bulbs are required for dimmer switches, tri-lights, motion sensors, photocells, torchiere floor lamps and enclosed fixtures.
• There are specialty outdoor CFLs that are guaranteed until about - 20 degrees. These bulbs will often work in much colder temperatures, but may take a while to turn on. To keep your CFLs working during our Saskatchewan winters, use them in enclosed fixtures to protect them from the cold.
• Check the packaging to make sure the bulb is designed for your fixture. The lifetime of a CFL can be reduced drastically if the bulb is not intended for the selected application.
• There are CFLs available that look like standard bulbs. These CFLs are manufactured the same way as twisty CFLs, but they have a plastic covering that hides the spiral design.
• Using CFLs improperly can make the bulbs too hot, causing the bulbs to burn out early. CFLs are not a fire hazard. In the worst-case scenario, CFLs used improperly may smoke, change colours and char around the base. Check the packaging to make sure your CFLs are appropriate for your fixtures.
• During installation, always screw the bulb by its base rather than the glass to prevent unnecessary breakage.

Want to learn more about CFLs? Check out these helpful links.

• Natural Resource Canada's Residential Lighting Fact Sheet.
• Office of Energy Efficiency's Question and Answer page.
• Proper Disposal of CFLs - Questions & Answers from ENERGY STAR

DISPOSING OF CFLs

Because CFLs contain mercury, if a CFL breaks, specific steps must be taken to safely dispose of the bulb:

• Open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes
• Upon return, wear disposable rubber gloves to carefully pick up broken glass
• On carpet, use duct tape to collect fine particles
• Vacuum the area, and rinse the vacuum container or dispose of the bag when done
• On hard surfaces, use a piece of stiff paper or cardboard to collect pieces into a plastic bag (instead of a vacuum)
• Place all clean up materials in a second plastic bag and wipe the affected area with a damp paper towel

RECYCLING CFLs

CFLs can be taken to Home Depot and RONA locations across Canada and placed in the store's recycling units. These units are monitored and, when full, the bulbs are responsibly recycled.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where can I buy CFLs?

Check your local stores for a variety of shapes and sizes to fit your fixtures. Remember to read the packaging to ensure you’ve selected the right bulb for each fixture and location.

How much money will I save by switching to CFLs?

The price of CFLs has dropped dramatically since they first appeared on the market. Each bulb could save you about $40 over its lifetime. If the average home has 40 bulbs, that’s $1,600 in your pocket!

Do CFLs take longer to light up than standard bulbs?

ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs are designed to be instant on. Some older products may hesitate slightly before lighting up or may take longer to come to full brightness.

Do CFLs work outdoors?

Yes. There are specific CFLs designed for outdoor use; check the package.

Will CFLs designed for indoor use work outdoors?

Yes, but indoor CFLs being used outdoors should be protected from rain, snow and hail. Most CFLs have been designed for a minimum optimal operating temperature of –18C but will operate at lower temperatures. When temperatures drop below this point, the life of the bulb may be affected – it may also take longer for the bulb to reach full brightness.

Where is the best place to install CFLs?

CFLs can be used in any fixture, but because they last up to 10 times longer, CFLs can be excellent choices for hard to reach light fixtures – especially ones that are used for long durations of time.

Can I use CFLs in lights that are frequently turned off and on?

Yes, but remember that frequent switching on and off can shorten the life of CFLs.

Are there certain uses or fixtures where CFLs should not be used?

CFLs can be used in any fixture or location, as long as you choose the right CFL for the job. Remember – do not use CFLs in totally enclosed fixtures, electronic timers or other control devices unless they are designed for this usage.

Is the mercury used in CFLs a cause for concern?

The average CFL contains 5 milligrams of mercury, less than is in a watch battery, but no mercury is released when the bulb is intact or in use. Federal and provincial regulators consider the mercury in CFLs to pose no health threats to consumers during use, because the mercury is in a sealed unit.

Are CFLs a fire hazard?

CFLs are not a fire hazard. Using CFLs improperly can make the bulbs too hot, causing the bulbs to burn out early. In the worst-case scenario, CFLs used improperly may smoke, change colours and char around the base.

Check the packaging to make sure your CFLs are appropriate for your fixtures. For the safest CFLs, choose ones that are certified by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL).