• 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.

MYTH 1:

CFLs are too expensive.

FACT:

While CFLs cost more to buy than standard bulbs, they last up to eight times longer so you won’t have to change them as often. Also, they use at least 66 per cent less electricity, which means they can more than pay for themselves in power savings.

MYTH 2:

CFLs don’t work with dimmers, timers or motion sensors.

FACT:

There are many types of specialty CFLs available. Some CFLs are designed for use with dimmers, tri-lights, timers, motion sensors and other lighting fixtures. Check the packaging to make sure your bulbs are compatible with your fixtures.

MYTH 3:

CFLs don’t work outside.

FACT:

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.

MYTH 4:

CFLs don’t fit into most fixtures.

FACT:

CFLs are now available in a variety of shapes and sizes that will fit into almost any fixture – inside and outside.

MYTH 5:

CFLs aren’t bright enough.

FACT:

CFLs produce as much light as standard bulbs. Lumens, not watts, measure how bright your bulbs will be. When choosing your CFLs, pick the ones with the highest lumens. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light.

MYTH 6:

CFLs look too weird.

FACT:

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.

MYTH 7:

CFLs can cause fires.

FACT:

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).

MYTH 8:

CFLs are bad for the environment because they contain mercury.

FACT:

While CFLs do have a little mercury inside of them (less than is in a watch battery), the bulbs are safe for you and your family. The mercury is contained within the bulbs and is not a problem with proper usage.

Check out this ENERGY STAR® fact sheet to learn more about CFLs and mercury. (Proper Disposal of CFLs - Questions & Answers from ENERGY STAR)

CFL recycling facilities in Western Canada

• Envrionmental Lamp Disposal, Edmonton, AB
• Proeco Corporation, Edmonton, AB
• Nu Life Industries Inc., Aldergrove, BC
• K-Light Recycling, Regina, SK

Other CFL disposal options

• Home Depot and RONA locations across Canada now have recycling units for CFLs. These units are monitored and, when full, the bulbs are responsibly recycled.

• For every hour a day you keep a 100-watt standard bulb turned off, you’ll save $3 a year. The more lights you turn off, the more you’ll save.

• A 100-watt standard bulb uses less electricity than two 60-watt bulbs but gives off approximately the same amount of light. You’ll save almost four times more electricity if you replace your two 60-watt bulbs with a 26-watt CFL, which would be just as bright as a 100-watt standard bulb.

• If you currently leave a standard 150-watt outdoor light on 24 hours a day, it’s costing you about $120 a year.
• Installing a photocell will save you about $50 a year.
• Switching to a 42-watt CFL, which would be equivalent to a 150-watt standard bulbs, would save you about $80 a year.
• Using a photocell and a CFL that’s compatible with it will make your saving even greater and could reduce your power bill by $100 a year.