Conservation/Environment Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs)

In the average U.S. home, lighting accounts for about 20 percent of the electric bill. The easiest way to start saving energy is to change your light bulbs to compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 includes provisions intended to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, and enable the U.S. to be less dependent on foreign sources of energy. Beginning in 2012, standard incandescent light bulbs will be phased out in favor of more energy-efficient bulbs as follows:

See Lighting Options for Your Home to evaluate all lighting options, including CFLs.

Energy Star compact fluorescent light bulbs:

• On average, use 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs to provide the same amount of light, and last up to 10 times longer.
• Save $11 or more in energy costs over each bulb’s lifetime (at 3¢ per kilowatt hour).
• Generate 70 percent less heat, so they’re safer to operate and keep your home cooler in the summer.

To get maximum energy savings today, replace bulbs where lights are on the most, such as your family and living room, kitchen, dining room, and porch.A 13-watt CFL bulb is equivalent to one 60-watt incandescent bulb. If you need more light in some areas, CFLs also come in wattages equivalent to 75-, 100- and 150-watt incandescent bulbs (see chart below). Specialty compact fluorescents, including dimmable, three-way, candelabra and flood lamps, are available at most major retail stores. During 2011, Chelan County PUD is participating in a regional program to offer specialty bulbs to customers at a reduced cost. See Where to Find CFLs for a list of local stores carrying discounted CFLs.

When your CFL burns out – and that should be years from now – place it in a sealed plastic bag and bring it to a Chelan County PUD office in Wenatchee, Leavenworth or Chelan or to Home Depot or Lowe's for recycling.

With Energy Star qualified fixtures, consumers can realize significant savings. Energy Star CFLs provide the same amount of light, or lumens, as traditional bulbs, but use a smaller amount of energy, or watts. To find the right CFL for your needs, compare lumens on the packaging.

View and print our CFL brochure.