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There are many benefits in switching to CFLs:
- CFLs use about 70% less energy to produce the same
amount of light as incandescent bulbs. For example, a 15 W CFL can produce
as much light as a 60 W incandescent. CFLs have such superior efficiency
because they convert about 90% of electrical energy into light and the
remaining 10% into heat. Incandescent lamps do exactly the opposite.
Of course, all this means that your electricity bill will be lowered
if you switch to CFLs.
- In Mauritius, most of our electricity is generated
from fossil fuels. Therefore, energy savings from CFLs mean that less
oil and coil need to be burnt, and this in turn means less carbon dioxide
is emitted into the atmosphere. Hence, CFLs help combat global warming.
- CFLs may last up to eight times longer than standard
incandescent lamps.
- CFLs give off a high quality light. Also, their electronic
design mean that they don’t flicker and hum like old generation
fluorescent tubes.
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- CFLs are not designed to be switched on and
off frequently. According to CEB, the number of daily switch off should
not exceed three. More frequent switching will reduce the CFL’s
lifetime. Therefore, CFLs should not be used where brief illumination
is needed.
- Most CFLs cannot be used with dimmers and timers since
this will reduce their lifetimes. Look for special CFLs for use with
dimmers and timers.
- When used outside, CFLs should be placed in waterproof
enclosures.
- Finally, it is important to note that CFLs contain
a very small amount of mercury. This mercury is sealed inside the glass
tube and is not emitted when the lamp is intact or switched on. However,
if the lamp gets broken, mercury vapor will escape. More information
on this mercury issue and how to handle broken CFLs is given below.
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