We recently posted on some of the common misconceptions people have about CFLs. Since then, two other noteworthy myths have been sent my way that I wanted to address. Hopefully some former skeptics will now trade out their incandescent bulbs for CFLs!

Myth: CFLs will actually harm the environment because they use so much energy to make and ship.
Truth: The amount of energy required to manufacture, transport, and dispose of a CFL is about 4% of the bulb’s total energy use. Scientists found that it takes about 1-2kWh of energy to make and ship a CFL (even from China). However each CFL save at least 200kWh of energy over its lifetime.

Myth: Finding a recycler is hard.
Truth: You shouldn’t throw used CFLs out with the trash. Check with your local waste management agency or visit earth911.org for disposal options. Also, many large retailers such as IKEA and Home Depot will accept used CFLs.

You may know people who are hesitant to switch to those new swirly light bulbs.  Why?  In most circumstances, it’s simply a case of misperceptions and outdated reasons.

Myth: CFLs produce a harsh blue light.
Truth: CFLs nowadays are engineered specifically for consumers expecting “soft white” light that mimics natural sunlight and the warm light of incandescent bulbs.  CFLs with a value of 2,700 to 3,000 Kelvin (K) have a warmer, yellower color; higher K values will emit a bluer or whiter light.  Energy Star rated CFLs will have their Kelvin value listed on the packaging.

Myth: CFLs flicker when they first light.
Truth: That happened in earlier CFLs with magnetic ballasts. New ones use electronic ballasts, which do not flicker.

Myth: CFLs need time to turn on.
Truth: Turn-on is now nearly instant. But most CFLs tested took about 30 seconds to reach 80 percent of their brightness.

Myth: CFLs can’t be dimmed or used in 3-way fixtures.
Truth: Early CFLs did not have dimming capabilities. The technology has evolved, however, to suit a number a lighting needs.  Look carefully at the packaging for those made specifically to work with dimmers or 3-way fixtures.

Myth: CFLs are expensive and won’t save money.
Truth: While CFLs cost more than incandescent bulbs to purchase, their energy efficiency and longevity make up for the cost differential. A CFL uses about 75% less energy than a standard incandescent and can last up to 10 times longer, saving about $30 over the course of its lifetime.

Myth: CFLs are a major safety hazard because they contain mercury.
Truth: Yes, CFLs contain tiny amounts of mercury; however they are not a major safety hazard.  If you break a CFL, use common sense to clean (open windows, clean up, and remove the debris).  Your exposure to mercury will be minimal – the equivalent of taking a tiny nibble of tuna, according to a staff scientist at Berkeley Lab

(Credit: Richard King/Solar Decathlon)

The 2009 Solar Decathlon is underway.  Energy efficiency as we know it – upgrading our lights to CFLs and adding insulation to our attics – is only one piece of the puzzle for the twenty teams participating in this year’s competition.  Each of the teams, which hail from universities across the United States, Canada, and Europe are competing to design, build and operate the most attractive and energy-efficient solar-powered house.

Students have spent many months working on their solar houses, finding the best structural shape, the best combination of materials and products, and the best automation and metering systems.  However this is not an exercise in theoretical design; the solar houses are built, tested, modified, tested again, and then shipped across a state, continent to or an ocean.  Their destination was the National Mall in Washington, DC.

The twenty teams had exactly one week to rebuild their houses before the contests begin on October 14.  The  Department of Energy, which is sponsoring the competition, will be judging the homes based on ten categories, including architecture, market viability, engineering, lighting design, and net metering.  As part of the competition, students must perform typical household tasks like cooking and doing laundry in their solar homes.  The winners will have the best combination of aesthetics and performance.  Find out more at solardecathlon.org.

Not only is this an excellent learning opportunity for the students involved, but it makes the potential of zero energy homes visible to the public.  People everywhere are slowly becoming more aware of the need, and the ways, to save energy.  This creates one more opportunity to reinforce the message of efficiency and to educate others that are uniformed.