By choosing an ENERGY STAR qualified CFL, you are assured that it will turn on in less than a second, and reach at least 80% of full light output within 3 minutes. If the CFL doesn't have the ENERGY STAR, both start time and warm up time could be much longer. Additionally, many lighting manufacturers offer "instant on" CFLs. Some spiral and mini-spiral products incorporate "instant-on" technology in their products and display this feature prominently on the product packaging. Some covered or reflector CFLs actually do take longer to warm-up, but the tradeoff is that they last longer than regular CFLs. ENERGY STAR qualified CFL products that are covered (like incandescent shaped, reflectors, globes, candles) have a higher operating temperature so they require a compound called amalgam to perform properly. This compound actually increases the bulb life and the light output! The one tradeoff is that these CFLs cannot offer "instant full brightness." The CFL will turn on, but may take up to three minutes to warm-up to reach full light output.
-
ENERGY EFFICIENT
productsenergy efficient products
ENERGY STAR products are independently certified to save energy without sacrificing features or functionality. Saving energy helps prevent climate change. Look for the ENERGY STAR label to save money on your energy bills and help protect our environment.
Find ENERGY STAR Products Energy Savings at Homes Take the Pledge Learn about Climate Change -
ENERGY SAVINGS
at homeenergy savings at home
Improving your home's energy efficiency with ENERGY STAR can help to lower high energy bills, improve comfort and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Learn about the many ways to save in your home and track your progress with "My ENERGY STAR" - your new dashboard to savings.
Start Saving Now Take the Pledge Home Assessment Tools Seal and Insulate Your Home Learn about ENERGY STAR Products Learn about Home Performance with ENERGY STARHow can we help you?
I want help with improving my home's comfort and efficiency How can I heat and cool my home efficiently? How can I stop drafts? I'd like to know about power management for my computer. How do I choose the right lighting for my home? I'm upgrading my kitchen appliances. What should I know? -
ENERGY EFFICIENT
new homesenergy efficient new homes
A new home that has earned the ENERGY STAR label has undergone a process of inspections, testing, and verification to meet strict requirements set by the US EPA. ENERGY STAR certified homes use 15-30% less energy than typical new homes while delivering better comfort, quality, and durability.
Find Builders and Incentives Home Features and Benefits Homeowner Testimonials Resources for Partners -
ENERGY STRATEGIES FOR
buildings & plantsbuildings & plants
Improve financial performance and reduce carbon emissions with EPA's strategic energy management approach.
Facility Owners & Managers Service Providers Energy Efficiency Program Administrators Tools & Resources Training