- CFLs are more expensive, but they use one-third the energy and last up to 10 times as long as incandescents. An 18 watt CFL, compared to a 75 watt incandescent, will save about 570 kilowatt hours. At 8 cents per kWh, that equates to about $45 in savings.
- CFLs use from 50 percent to 80 percent less energy while giving off much less heat. The tungsten filament inside a regular light bulb releases light when it is heated. A CFL emits light when a coating inside the bulb fluoresces.
- Typical bulb life of common CFLs is 10,000 hours versus 1,500 hours for an incandescent bulb. The upfront cost of the CFL is about twice as much, but it lasts about 10 times longer.
- The CFL will pay for itself in about six months and save about $30 compared to an incandescent bulb, according to Energy Star.
- CFLs and incandescent bulbs both contain mercury, which is toxic to the environment, but using CFLs result in 5.3 fewer milligrams than an incandescent bulb.
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