Compared to incandescent light bulbs, ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs:
- Use about one-quarter of the energy to produce the same amount of light,
- Last about 10 times longer,
- Produce about 75 percent less heat, which reduces cooling costs,
- Save about $30 or more in electricity costs over the lifetime of the bulb,
- Have manufacturer-backed warranties, and
- Meet strict energy efficiency and performance requirements.
In 2007, Americans saved $1.5 billion by switching to ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs. The energy saved could light all the households in a city the size of Washington, DC for over 30 years. Put another way, changing these bulbs removes as much greenhouse gas pollution as planting 2.85 million acres of trees or taking 2 million cars off the road each year.
