 Do energy saving lightbulbs take a long time to turn on?
Early versions of energy saving lightbulbs used to take a long time to heat up, but the technology has progressed quickly and modern bulbs only take a couple of seconds to get to their full light output.
Does turning energy saving lightbulbs on and off use more electricity than leaving them on?
No, this is a myth. Turning on an energy saving lightbulb uses about the same amount of electricity as leaving them on for a minute or two. You can significantly reduce your household electricity bill by switching lights off in unoccupied rooms.
Some of my lights have dimmer switches. Can I still use energy saving lightbulbs?
Most energy saving lightbulbs are not compatible with dimmer switches. However, as the technology progresses, there is an increasing number coming on to the market that are dimmable. Before you buy an energy saving lightbulb check the product description. If it doesn't specifically say that it is dimmable then it probably isn't.
Do energy saving lightbulbs contain mercury?
Energy saving lightbulbs, also referred to as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), use approximately 80% less electricity than incandescent light bulbs and last up to ten times longer. To achieve this level of efficiency they contain a small amount of mercury (usually 3-4 milligrams, but limited to 5 milligrams per bulb).
According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) “The mercury cannot escape from an intact lamp and, even if the lamp should be broken, the very small amount of mercury contained in a single, modern CFL is most unlikely to cause any harm.”
How do I recycle my energy saving lightbulbs?
It’s very important not to send your energy saving lightbulbs to landfill or to a glass recycling bank as the mercury will not be recovered. To ensure that your energy saving lightbulbs are recycled effectively, please visit the Recolight website to find your nearest Local Council Reycling Centre or Consumer Collection Point.
Doesn't the process of making an energy saving lightbulb use more energy than making an incandescent light bulb?
It's true that the production of an energy saving lightbulb uses more energy than the production of an incandescent bulb. However, because energy saving lightbulbs last up to ten times longer and use 80% less energy during their lifetime they are still far more energy efficient. |