How to deal if you break a compact fluorescent lightbulb (CFL)

Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) really aren't "new" any more. Ed Hammer, a GE engineer, invented the modern CFL in the 1970s in response to that decade's energy crisis. Thirty years later, CFLs have become mainstream, although some consumers, especially those who had bad experiences with the early versions, have been slow to jump on board. Many of the earlier CFLs took a while to reach full brightness, and once they did, the light had a cold, bluish quality that many people found unappealing.

Advances in design and manufacturing-specifically, new electronic ballasts-have reduced the time it takes for CFLs to reach full brightness. Electronic ballasts have also helped eliminate any annoying flicker and hum. Plus, you can now buy bulbs that emit a "warm" light, if that's what you prefer:

• "Warm" or "soft" light is comparable to an incandescent bulb and well suited for residential use.
• "Cool," "bright white," "natural" or "daylight" bulbs have a bluish-white light, which some people prefer for reading and other detail work.

Plus, the energy savings are real: Choose a CFL with the Energy Star label and you can save $30 or more in electricity costs over the life of the bulb (compared with the costs of using an incandescent bulb for the same amount of time).

IF IT BREAKS:

All CFLs contain a small amount of mercury, which can be harmful to people, pets and the environment. So if you break a CFL bulb:

• Have people and pets leave the room.
• Open a window for at least 15 minutes so no one breathes in any fine mercury dust.
• If the bulb broke on a hard surface, scoop up the debris with a piece of cardboard. (Small particles can be wiped up with a damp paper towel.) Place the cardboard, paper towel and broken bulb into a plastic bag. Sweeping and vacuuming are not recommended for cleanup on hard surfaces.
• On soft surfaces like carpeting, put on gloves and pick up as many pieces as you can by hand or with the help of sticky tape and put everything into a plastic bag. If you have to vacuum, remove the bag and place it in a plastic bag or wipe out the canister if the vacuum is bagless.
• Dispose of the plastic bag with your normal trash if it is allowed where you live. If not, find a local recycling center that will accept broken and spent CFLs. You can check online or with your trash hauler to find recycling centers near you. Some retail stores that sell CFLs also accept spent CFLs for recycling.

There are several places where you shouldn't use a CFL lightbulb:

• Fixtures that are turned on and off frequently.
• Areas that are subject to vibration, such as stairs and the garage.
• Fixtures that are subject to extreme heat, cold or humidity. Buy "weatherproof" bulbs for fixtures that are exposed to the elements.

For anything other than a standard light fixture, such as a fixture with a dimmer switch, a three-way lamp switch, a remote, a photo or motion sensor or an electronic or digital timer, read the packaging to be sure the bulb is suitable. Also read the packaging if you want to use a CFL outdoors or in an enclosed fixture.

By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine

MORE LIKE THIS:

• Weatherstripping Doors
• Insulating the Basement
• How to Seal Air Leaks
• Green Remodeling Tips