The truth about Compact Fluorescent lamps...
Much has been written of late about the humble GLS lamp and its replacement the Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL). Understanding what is fact and what is fiction can be very confusing, and so Senate Electrical Wholesalers recently challenged their energy saving expert to find the truth:
Incandescent lamps are very inefficient: FACT
Only 10% of the energy used is converted into light, with the remainder creating often unuseable heat.
CFLs contain large amounts of Mercury: FICTION
Compact fluorescent lamps do contain small amounts of Mercury, essential to their operation, however if they are recycled correctly, there is not a problem. Coal burning power stations emit far higher levels of Mercury. CFLs use around 80% less energy to produce the equivalent light output produced by an incandescent lamp.
CFLs produce poor quality light: FICTION
New generation lamps are available in a wide range of colours and tones, suitable for all situations.
CFLs are big and ugly: FICTION
Early compact fluorescent lamps were large and bulky. However current models are now available in all shapes, sizes and caps, including the traditional GLS and Candle lamp types.
CFLs start slowly and always flicker in use: FICTION
Current compact fluorescent lamps take around 3 seconds to switch on and reach optimum light output. CFLs now generally incorporate electronic control which eliminates the 'strobing' effect experienced in earlier models. All CFLs MAY flicker at the end of their life.
CFLs are expensive: FICTION
Prices for compact fluorescent lamps vary greatly depending upon operating life, colour, shape etc. However, mosr CFLs will save around £9.00 a year on energy costs and around £100 over the course of its life.
CFLs last 10 to 20 times longer than incandescent lamps: FACT
Many compact fluorescent lamps now have an average life of up to 20,000 hours.
CFLs produce around 90% less heat than incandescent lamps: FACT
Air conditioning costs can be reduced by using compact fluorescent lamps.
CFLs are not dimmable: FICTION
Many of the new generation lamps can now be dimmed and are marked accordingly.
Changing to CFLs will help reduce global warming: FACT
Small numbers do add up, and the oversized carbon footprint does have to be reduced.
For more energy saving tips and ideas, click here
To compare your usual lamp type with the new low energy equivolent, click here
