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Light bulbs (CFLs) for Consumers

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Did You Know?

If every American home replaced just one light with a light that's earned the ENERGY STAR, we would save enough energy to light 3 million homes for a year, save about $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent 9 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year, equivalent to those from about 800,000 cars.

Earning the ENERGY STAR means products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Lighting products that have earned the ENERGY STAR deliver exceptional features, while using less energy. Saving energy helps you save money on utility bills and protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the fight against climate change.

An ENERGY STAR Qualified Compact Fluorescent Light bulb (CFL):

can save more than $40 in electricity costs over its lifetime
uses about 75% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and lasts up to 10 times longer
produces about 75% less heat, so it's safer to operate and can cut energy costs associated with home cooling

Current Specification Effective Date:	December 2008

Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) originally qualified for the ENERGY STAR label in 1999.

Learn How a Product Earns the Label

What else should I look for when buying compact fluorescent light bulbs?

Choosing between the various types of CFLs and deciding where to use them can be daunting. Here you'll find guidance on choosing the right bulbs for your fixtures and locating a convenient retailer. For an interactive learning experience, click on the Choose a Light Guide.

Related Information:

Look for the ENERGY STAR
Learn about light output
Find the right shade
How to choose

These are the top FAQs related to Light bulbs (CFLs) and the ENERGY STAR program.