Questions and Answers

Hanukkah “One For Each Night” Compact Fluorescent Kit

Q. What is a Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb (CFL)?

A. A compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) is fluorescent lighting designed to be used in a standard (incandescent) light bulb socket. Fluorescent lighting works by passing a current through a gas-filled tube. Incandescent light works by heating up a metal filament until it is white-hot. Incandescent bulbs produce mostly heat, which is why a fluorescent using only 13 watts of electricity can produce light comparable to an incandescent hogging 60 watts.

Q. How much electricity is saved?

A. According to a 1996 study by the Electric Power Research Institute, (referenced in an online publication, p. 4) the actual annual electricity savings in Atlanta is 1.25 times the lighting savings, because air-conditioning requirements are reduced. When a 13 watt CFL is used in place of a 60 watt incandescent, the savings comes to 58.8 watts!

Q. How does a CFL benefit the environment?

A. Your kit of eight 13-watt CFL’s , over the expected 10,000 hour life of the bulbs, will save 4700 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity as compared to 60-watt bulbs. This translates to a global warming-fighting reduction of over three tons of carbon dioxide. It also makes significant reductions in other impacts of coal-produced power such as acid rain, poor air quality, mercury pollution, and destruction of forest and stream habitats in mining areas.

Q. How does a CFL benefit my wallet?

A. Assuming electricity rates remain at today’s levels of about $.077 per kWh, your kit will ultimately save you 4700 X $.077= $361 – over ten times your investment. In all likelihood, rates will increase and your savings will be greater.

Q. Where can I use the CFL’s?

A. The 13 watt Micro-CFL is only ½ inch longer than a standard bulb. Though thicker near the base, it is smaller in maximum diameter. Therefore, it will physically fit almost anywhere an old bulb would. However, it cannot be used in an enclosed fixture, on a dimmer, or anywhere it would be exposed to moisture, without greatly shortening its lifespan. Desk, table, and floor lamps are ideal locations.

Q. What if I don’t have eight 60-watt locations that fit the criteria?

A. Some possibilities:

1. You could use some of the CFL’s to replace 40-watt bulbs. Even using all eight CFL’s to replace 40’s, you still would save over $200 in electricity costs and have a positive impact on the planet.

2. You could hold onto an extra CFL or two in anticipation of changes in your lighting design.

3. You could give some CFL’s away to family and friends. Help spread the word about this positive and money-saving action.

Q. This all seems too good to be true. What criticisms have been leveled against CFL’s?

A. The following points are raised.

1. The above cited limitations: no use in enclosed, dimming, or outdoor fixtures. Actually, specialty fluorescent lights exist for these situations, but you may have to look a little harder to find them.

2. Some people dislike the noticeably “cooler” light spectrum of older fluorescents. The CFL’s in the kit are said to produce “warm white” light. The dreidel picture is provided so you can compare quality of light for yourself.

3. Some poor-quality CFL’s do not live up to claims of longevity. The Autocell brand provided was carefully selected by Georgia Interfaith Power and Light (GIPL) and comes with a seven-year warranty.

4. Fluorescent lights have a lag time after the light switch has been turned on. The CFL’s in the kit are “instant-on”, with a lag time less than a second.

5. Some people say they detect a “flicker” in fluorescent bulbs. The CFL’s in the kit are described as “flicker-free”.

6. There is a concern about mercury, which is present in all fluorescents. The amount of mercury sealed in each CFL is less than 1/100 that in a mercury thermometer. It is also less than the amount of mercury the CFL spares the environment because of coal not burned.

Q. Why is the CFL campaign being connected with Hanukkah?

A. Like the miraculous oil, a CFL makes a lot from a little. The Maccabees took a stand, with G-d’s help, to preserve a Jewish legacy for us.

By using CFL’s, we take a stand to preserve the legacy of Creation. We strive to pass along the environment in as good a shape as we found it.

Hanukkah is also about passing along a legacy through play. We hope you enjoy the jokes in your CFL kit.