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CFL Best Practices

Frequent On/Off Locations

  • Never use a CFL bulb in a location where the lights are turned on and off frequently. The more a CFL gets turned on and off, the shorter the life span of the bulb.
  • CFL bulbs are best used in locations where they will be on for at least 15 minutes. Closets, for instance, are less than ideal CFL applications since the light is turned on/off frequently.

Ceiling Fans

  • Use CFL bulbs specifically designed for use in ceiling fans. These are made to withstand the high vibrations caused by the fan. Using a regular CFL in this fixture will significantly reduce life of the bulb.

Dimming

  • Make sure to use dimming CFLs only with a dimmer switch. Using standard CFLs on dimmers will significantly shorten the life of the bulb.
  • Use CFLs specifically designed for recessed cans. Many reflector CFLs are designated 'high heat' reflector CFLs. Since heat rises and cans can be tightly insulated, it's best to use a reflector CFL that is specifically designed to withstand high temperatures.
  • If regular CFLs are used in these high temperature environments, the bulb's life will be significantly reduced.

Outdoor Use

  • Use only CFLs specifically designed for outdoor usage. These CFLs have a UL (Underwriters Laboratory) rating and are made to withstand wet locations.

Motion Sensors/Timers

  • Regular CFLs should not be used with motion detectors. The frequent on/off will greatly shorten the life span.
  • CFLs can only be used on some timers. They can be used on mechanical timers (for instance the inexpensive dial type timers) but cannot be used with electronic timers. Using a CFL on an electronic timer will greatly shorten the life of the bulb.

Mercury and Recycling

  • CFLs require the use of mercury to operate. The amount of mercury in a CFL is very small; however, once the bulbs have extinguished, they must be properly recycled to ensure that no mercury gets into the environment.
  • If the bulbs are properly recycled, they work to significantly reduce energy consumption and are not a negative impact on the environment once they burn out.