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Energy-saving lamps, such as normal and compact fluorescents, use more of the energy they consume to produce light rather than heat. An incandescent light converts electricity to heat and light is simply a by-product of the heat.
Fluorescent bulbs still have incandescent filaments, but they are used to emit the electrons that run the length of the tube colliding with the vapourised Mercury and producing light.
Mainly because they run "cool", a fluorescent lamp uses only about one fifth - 1/5 - of the electrical energy used by a lamp that has a hot, incandescent filament.
Another good thing about fluorescent lamps is that they can have a useful life that is between 5 and 10 times longer than an incandescent lamp, saving even more money over a period of years. On the other hand, turning a fluorescent lamp on and off repeatedly, so that it only runs for for short periods, will radically shorten its lifespan. Also CFL bulbs tend to cause large amounts of radio frequency interference.
If a fluorescent tube or 'bulb' is broken, the mercury is released which is poisonous.
Another opinion
Saying that the mercury in mercury lamps is dangerous is an urban myth which comes from the old styles of mercury discharge lamps and fluorescent tubes used over fifty years ago, which did indeed contain about a gram of liquid mercury!
While in use such a lamp was not dangerous at all, but if the glass tube or bulb got broken the "blob" of mercury could certainly be dangerous to human health if anyone picked it up with their bare fingers or swallowed it to see what how it tasted.
Mercury is the only example we have on Earth of a metal that is in its liquid state at room temperature. It was such a "curiousity" that several people did get ill - and may have died - from poisoning by mercury, but not much of it would have came from old fashioned "mercury lamps"!
That said, anyone who advises you that "fluorescent lights contain mercury which is poisonous" about today's fluorescent lamps is making a very misleading statement which could be intended just to frighten people.
No matter whether they are the "compact" or the "long tube" types, modern fluorescent lamps contain only an extremely tiny amount of a special mercury amalgam so that, whilst a modern lamp is in use, there is absolutely no danger to anyone.
However, if such a lamp gets broken, then care must be taken to sweep up all the fragments carefully and dispose of them sensibly in something strong enough not to be cut by the broken glass, such as an old corrugated cardboard box or similar bound around with gaffer tape to stop it from being opened easily.
Today, the main danger to people is the risk of getting cuts from the shards of glass, not from mercury poisoning!
The answers to the Related Questions shown below give a lot more information about how compact fluorescent lamps work and about the very good savings you will achieve in the cost of electricity if you use them instead of normal incandescent lamps.
What else can I help you with?
Why does an incandescent light bulb use more electrical energy than an energy saving bulb?
Incandescent light bulbs waste a lot of energy by producing heat along with light, whereas energy-saving bulbs, such as LEDs or CFLs, are more efficient at converting electricity into light. Therefore, incandescent bulbs require more electrical energy to produce the same amount of light as energy-saving bulbs.
How energy saving light bulbs work?
Energy-saving light bulbs, such as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs), work by converting electricity into light more efficiently than traditional incandescent bulbs. They produce less heat and use less electricity to generate the same amount of light, resulting in reduced energy consumption and lower electricity bills. This efficiency is achieved through the use of different materials and technologies that minimize energy loss and maximize light output.
Why are some bulbs more efficient than others?
Some bulbs are more efficient than others because they use technology that converts more electricity into light rather than heat. For example, LED bulbs are more efficient than incandescent bulbs because they produce light through a process that emits less heat. Additionally, energy-saving bulbs like CFLs use less electricity to produce the same amount of light as traditional incandescent bulbs, making them more energy efficient.
Do fluorescent light bulbs use nuclear energy?
No, fluorescent light bulbs do not use nuclear energy. They rely on electricity to excite mercury vapor and produce ultraviolet light, which then activates a coating inside the bulb to produce visible light.
Is a energy saving light bulb more efficient than a normal light bulb?
More efficient, yes - since it produces the same amount of light but uses less power to do so. HOWEVER - they need to be disposed of away from the 'normal' household rubbish - as they contain mercury - which is highly toxic !
What is the different between energy saving light bulbs and original light bulbs?
The difference between the two bulbs is that energy saving bulbs have murcuary in them which lowers the amount of electricity they require and consume.
Why does an incandescent light bulb use more electrical energy than an energy saving bulb?
Incandescent light bulbs waste a lot of energy by producing heat along with light, whereas energy-saving bulbs, such as LEDs or CFLs, are more efficient at converting electricity into light. Therefore, incandescent bulbs require more electrical energy to produce the same amount of light as energy-saving bulbs.
How energy saving light bulbs work?
Energy-saving light bulbs, such as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs), work by converting electricity into light more efficiently than traditional incandescent bulbs. They produce less heat and use less electricity to generate the same amount of light, resulting in reduced energy consumption and lower electricity bills. This efficiency is achieved through the use of different materials and technologies that minimize energy loss and maximize light output.
Are energy saving light bulbs brighter than regular light bulbs?
Not necessarily. They can be brighter, or less bright. Both the energy saving light bulbs and the old-fasioned incandescent light bulbs come in different powers.
What is the importance of using energy saving light bulbs?
If we use energy saving light bulbs then energy will be saved and thus help the conservation of energy sources used to generate electricity like coal, petroleum, etc.For more information, please see the answers to the Related Questions shown below.
How does reducing electricity help?
Reducing electricity will lower your bill you pay. Get energy saving light bulbs, fix ALL of the leaks and you will be on your way to living a great life
Why do people say that ordinary light bulbs aren't energy saving?
No light bulbs actually save energy, they use it to produce light. However energy efficient bulbs use less energy than the ordinary incandescent type. To my mind describing them as energy saving is wrong, they should be described as "lower energy" bulbs.
Why are energy saving light bulbs better than normal light bulbs?
LED lights are better than bulbs because they are more energy efficient, and environment friendly. You can definitely get a lot of savings with LED light bulbs.
Is compact fluorescent light the best energy saving bulb?
No, the most energy efficient bulbs are LED (Light Emitting Diode) light bulbs.
What are the benefits of using an Energy Star light bulb compared to a regular light bulb?
Energy Star light bulbs are more energy-efficient than regular light bulbs, which means they use less electricity to produce the same amount of light. This can lead to lower energy bills and reduced environmental impact. Additionally, Energy Star light bulbs tend to last longer, saving money on replacements in the long run.
What are the benefits of using Energy Star light bulbs in terms of energy efficiency and cost savings?
Energy Star light bulbs are more energy-efficient than traditional bulbs, which means they use less electricity to produce the same amount of light. This can result in lower energy bills and cost savings over time. Additionally, Energy Star bulbs have a longer lifespan, reducing the frequency of replacements and further saving money.
What are the benefits of using low heat light bulbs in terms of energy efficiency and cost savings?
Using low heat light bulbs can provide benefits in terms of energy efficiency and cost savings. These bulbs consume less energy compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, resulting in lower electricity bills. Additionally, low heat bulbs have a longer lifespan, reducing the frequency of replacements and saving money in the long run. Overall, using low heat light bulbs can help reduce energy consumption and lower electricity costs.
