Don't Fall for the Myths about CFLs, Now is the Time to Start Saving

MADISON, Wis. Sept. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- When you install ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) there are financial and energy savings to be realized; however, there are a few misconceptions about CFLs that have kept some homeowners on the fence. Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy, is tackling those myths in an effort to educate Wisconsin residents and help them switch to CFLs. Starting Oct. 1, 2010, and for a limited time, Focus on Energy is offering CFLs for a discounted price at participating retail locations throughout the state.

"We are thrilled with the number of residents throughout Wisconsin who have reduced their energy use and utility bills by installing ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs, but there are still many who have not made the switch," said Linda Mae Schmitt, program manager for Focus on Energy. "It's my hope that by exposing common misconceptions about CFLs, we can encourage more people to take advantage of the many benefits of energy-efficient lighting. And now is the perfect time get on board. Why wouldn't you want to save money while also helping Wisconsin's environment?"

Myth #1: CFLs are expensive.

Fact: ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs save money by lasting up to 10 times longer and using 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs. In fact, one CFL saves about $30 in energy costs over its lifetime and will pay for itself within six months.

Myth #2: CFLs won't fit in my fixtures.

Fact: ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs have come a long way in the last few years. These days, CFLs come in a range of sizes and styles, like dimmable, recessed, three-way, flood, and candelabra, to name a few. Plus, CFL technology has advanced dramatically to produce light that is warm and inviting without the delay, flicker, hum, or buzz common with early fluorescent lights.

Myth #3: CFLs are hazardous.

Fact: While CFLs contain trace amounts of mercury, it's less than you'll find in your average watch battery or silver tooth filling. The mercury is not emitted when the bulb is in use, intact, or being handled, which means they are safe to use. Like all products containing mercury, CFLs should not be thrown in the trash when they eventually burn out; they need to be recycled. Focus on Energy has partnered with hundreds of retailers throughout the state to offer free CFL recycling to consumers. And because CFLs contain mercury, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has created instructions for cleaning up a broken CFL.

CFLs are less hazardous to the environment, too. In fact, if recycled properly a CFL actually puts less mercury into our environment than an incandescent light bulb. Simply put, every time a light switch is flipped, coal is burned at a power plant to produce electricity to power the bulb. Burning coal releases mercury, carbon dioxide (CO2), and other toxins. So using a more efficient light bulb results in less coal being burned, reducing the levels of toxins in the air. Imagine the positive impact on the environment if every homeowner used CFLs.

Myth #4: CFLs are hard to find.

Fact: Starting on Oct. 1, 2010, ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs are being sold for a discounted price at select retail locations, including Ace Hardware, Copps Food Center,  Batteries Plus, Bulbs Plus, Do it Best, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, Hardware Hank, Menards, Mills Fleet Farm, Pick 'n Save, Shopko, True Value Hardware, Trustworthy Hardware, United Hardware, and Lowe's. This special discount is only available while supplies last so don't wait—start saving today!

For more information about ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs or where to purchase them at a discounted price, contact Focus on Energy at 800.762.7077 or visit focusonenergy.com/brightsavings. 

About Focus on Energy

Focus on Energy works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost-effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Focus information, resources, and financial incentives help to implement projects that otherwise would not be completed, or to complete projects sooner than scheduled. Its efforts help Wisconsin residents and businesses manage rising energy costs, promote in-state economic development, protect our environment, and control the state's growing demand for electricity and natural gas. For more information, call 800.762.7077 or visit focusonenergy.com.

SOURCE Focus on Energy