Lighting Options

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

A Win-Win Situation

Want to do something good for you and for the environment? Start replacing the incandescent bulbs in your home with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs.

• Each CFL you install will save you up to $30 on your electric bill over the bulb's lifetime.
• A CFL bulb use up to 75% less energy.
• CFLs last up to 10 times longer.
• CFLs generate 70% less heat than standard incandescent bulbs.

Today's CFLs

• Today's CFLs give a warmer, more inviting light that the fluorescent's you might be used to.
• Modern CFLs light up much more quickly than older, traditional fluorescent lights. And it takes very little energy to turn on a CFL.
• For optimum energy savings, use CFL's in rooms you use most-living room, kitchen and porch.
• CFLs are better used for area lighting than spot lighting. It is generally not recommended to place CFLs in fixtures where bulb is fully enclosed.
• A CFL bulb specifically designated for outdoor lighting will perform better and turn on quicker, especially in cold weather.
• CFL bulbs quickly pay for themselves in energy savings.

Selecting the right wattage

CFL bulbs use fewer watts of electricity to achieve the same amount of light, so you can replace your incandescent bulb with a lower wattage CFL bulb.

Because CFLs generate less heat, you can use a higher wattage CFL than your fixture rating. For example, if your fixture is rated for a 60W incandescent bulb, and the equivalent 14W CFL doesn't give enough light, you could upgrade to a 24 W CFL.

Recycling CFLs

• CFL bulbs contain a small amount of mercury that is harmful to the environment (an average of 5 milligrams, the amount that would cover the tip of a ballpoint pen).
• Because of the presence of this hazardous substance, CFL bulbs must be disposed of properly. You should never put CFLs in the trash.
• You can dispose of CFLs at Harrison REMC or bring them to Home Depot.

Harrison REMC is proud to be able to supply you with CFL's. Please keep reading the Electric Consumer and our web site to find out information on future bulb exchanges!!!