Energy Saving Bulbs Problems

Energy saving light bulbs, known as compact fluorescent lamps or CFLs, produce light while using less energy and creating less heat than traditional light bulbs. However, the technology also has several notable drawbacks.

Function

CFLs function by exciting a layer of fluorescent material on the interior of the bulb's glass tube with gases that emit UV radiation when subjected to an electrical current; the gas contains trace amounts of mercury, a toxic element.

Disposal

Since CFLs contain mercury, they may pose a larger environmental threat that normal light bulbs and it is illegal to dispose of them in the normal trash in certain states.

Cleanup

If a CFL breaks, cleaning the mess is complicated by possible mercury contamination; it is recommended to clear pets and children away from the mess and allow the room to air out for 15 minutes before going in to clean the glass.

Applications

CFLs may not perform as well as normal light bulbs in hot and wet environments; CFLs can also take some time to reach full brightness, which makes them less useful for applications where light must be turned on and off constantly.

Cost

Another drawback of CFLs is that they cost much more than standard light bulbs; energy savings can offset the cost difference, but if CFLs die early or break it is more costly to replace them.

References

• Q&A: Are there any drawbacks to compact fluorescent bulbs?