July / Aug. / Sept. 2009 - Nebraska Public Power District

Three letters... CFL ...lead to energy efficiency.
Relatively new technology, the compact
fluorescent light bulb (CFL) is an energyefficient
emitter of light that performs
adequately in many, but not all, situations where a
standard incandescent light bulb has been used in the
past. The CFL has many benefits when compared to
its elder cousin. Chief among those, a CFL can last
up to 10 times longer than a standard light bulb and
uses about 75 percent less energy while producing a
comparable amount of illumination.
Here are some facts about CFLs:
• CFLs are safe to use and are energy efficient. It’s
true, each bulb contains about 5 milligrams of
mercury, but this does not
pose a health risk when the
bulbs are properly used,
handled, and disposed of.
• If a CFL breaks, it is safe
for you to clean the broken
ENERGY INSIGHT • JULY / AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2009 15
bulb yourself by following some general safety
practices. For more information visit www.epa.gov
• When buying a CFL, select one with an ENERGY
STAR® on the label. This indicates the bulb has
met strict federal specifications for quality, energy
savings, long life, color and brightness.
• CFLs come in all shapes and sizes making
it possible for you to replace nearly every
conventional light bulb in your home. When
shopping for a CFL, check the wattage
equivalency numbers on the package.
• A typical 20-watt CFL costs around $3 when
purchased as a single bulb and about $2 per bulb or
less when purchased in multi‑packs. The CFL bulb
will often pay for itself in energy savings and low
electric bills in less than eight months, depending
upon your local electric rate and hours of use. And
the energy/cost savings don’t end then; a CFL will
save you money throughout its long life.