PG&E - CFL MINISITE

Instant Rebate

Save money today and every day to follow

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) are designed to offer both immediate and long-term savings. With PG&E's instant rebate, you'll save money on the purchase price. Just look for the rebate sticker at your local retailer. Then save money on your electric bill when you replace your incandescent bulbs with ENERGY STAR^®–qualified CFLs. CFLs use about 75% less energy than incandescents, so the more you replace the more you'll save. The average CFL is designed to last up to 8,000 hours. That's 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb, so you’ll spend less time and money on replacing bulbs.

Get more light from every watt

Today's improved Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) are designed to deliver the same amount of light as incandescent light bulbs at lower wattage. The average CFL uses about 75% less energy than a comparable incandescent, a savings that will make a difference on your electric bill.

Change a bulb, change the world

Compared to incandescent light bulbs, Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) produce less carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas and a significant cause of global warming. If every home in the country replaced just one incandescent with a CFL, it would eliminate greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking about 800,000 cars off the road.

Recycling CFLs

In California, recycling Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) is the law.
But it’s easier than you think!

Safe Removal and Storage of CFLs
To properly remove and prepare used CFLs for recycling:
1. Remove used CFLs by gripping at the base and twisting to unscrew the bulb.
2. Place CFLs in a safe container, their original box, or in a container supplied
by a fluorescent lamp recycler to protect them from breaking.
3. You can mark the container "Fluorescent Light Bulb for Recycling."
You can add more bulbs to it until you’re ready to take them to a proper location for disposal.

Safe Recycling of Used CFLs
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) encourages recycling of all CFLs, and it's also required by California law. Visit these web sites to find out what household hazardous waste collection and recycling programs are available in your area:

Earth 911 » Integrated Waste Management Board » EPA »

Mercury in CFLs

Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) technology uses mercury to provide light because of its excellent conductivity and high surface tension. It's the only metal that is liquid at room temperature and conducts energy well. CFLs contain less mercury than many products we encounter every day, including the amalgam used to fill dental cavities and the button cell batteries in watches. CFLs are typically manufactured with recycled mercury, and no mercury is emitted when an ENERGY STAR^®–qualified CFL is in use.

While ENERGY STAR-qualified light bulbs contain a small amount of mercury, their use creates a net reduction of mercury emissions to our environment, as compared to using incandescent lighting. CFL manufacturers continue to find ways to reduce the amount of mercury in the bulbs.

Click here for a printable version of Mercury in CFLs »

Spiral Lamp - Many traditional 60W to 100W bulbs around your home can be replaced with spirals, the most popular type of CFL. Some spirals are available for dimmer switches. Spirals also come in a variety of colors like soft white, natural light or daylight.

Reflector Lamp - Indoor reflector CFLs are perfect for providing directional light like recessed lights in kitchens or living rooms. Not to be used with a dimmer or 3-way switch.

Globe Lamp - This shape is commonly used in bathroom vanity mirrors, open hanging lamps and bare bulb applications. Bathroom vanities usually require multiple bulbs, which generate radiant heat. The CFL globe reduces heat buildup while saving energy. Not to be used with a dimmer or 3–way switch.

A-Lamp - A-Lamps combine the efficiency of spiral CFLs with the look and feel of traditional incandescent bulbs. They're perfect for people who prefer a traditional "bulb" look but still want the efficient lighting of CFLs. You can use them wherever you use traditional incandescents. Not to be used with a dimmer or 3–way switch.

Flood Lamp - For outdoor use, flood CFLs are sealed to withstand the rain and snow. Timers, photocells and motion sensors may not be compatible with CFLs, so if you have one of these controls on your outdoor lights, check with the manufacturers and the CFL product packaging for product compatibility.

Save on ENERGY STAR^®–qualified
CFLs where you see this sticker.