Lighting accounts for about 20% of annual household electricity bills, or approximately $200 per year. The higher the bulb wattage you use, the more electricity that’s needed to make it burn bright and more electricity used means higher energy costs for you. You can save money by switching to energy-efficient lighting. Generally, the most energy-efficient types of home lighting are CFLs and LEDs. Both provide high-quality light, use less energy, and last longer than standard bulbs.
Focus on Energy’s ENERGY STAR Lighting Program can help you save money and lower energy consumption. Focus on Energy is partnering with retailers around Wisconsin to offer instant discounts or coupons on ENERGY STAR® qualified lighting products at participating retailers for select lighting products, while supplies last.
Recycle Your Burned out CFLs
All compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), including ENERGY STAR qualified bulbs, contain a small amount of mercury. Yet they are safe to use. They do not emit mercury when they are intact, in use, properly stored, handled, and/or installed. Because CFLs do contain a small amount of mercury, the bulbs should be recycled properly and not thrown in the trash. By recycling the bulbs, you are helping prevent the release of mercury into the environment. Plus, almost all components of the bulbs can be reused. Simply bring in your expired, unbroken CFLs to a recycling event.