FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

About the OUC Light Bulb Fund Raiser

Q:  What will your group do with the funds that you raise selling light bulbs?
A:  [Fill in your answer here:] ____________________________________________________
 
Q:  Why is OUC sponsoring this Light Bulb Fund Raiser?    

A: One of the best ways to save money on their electric bill is to replace your most used standard (incandescent) bulbs with high-quality compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).  OUC hopes the campaign encourages customers to purchase a few bulbs from local community groups as a fund raiser, and then motivates customers to buy a full range of high-quality CFL products from local retailers.
 
Q:  How many energy-saving bulbs should I buy?
A: OUC and ENERGY STAR^® recommend that you at least replace your 5 most-used lights with these energy-saving bulbs.  These bulbs are a better choice for any light that you use more than 3 hours per day, and for lights in difficult-to-reach locations (since they don’t have to replaced as often).  The more you use a light, the more you will save with these energy-saving bulbs.  You will also save if you replace closet lights and other lights that you may use less frequently, but it will take longer for you to earn your money back.
 
Q:  I tried these type of energy-saving bulbs before and they flickered, lit poorly, burnt out early, etc. Do these bulbs work better?
A:  Please give these new energy-saving bulbs another try.  There have been significant improvements in lighting technology in recent years.  Every one of these energy-saving bulbs comes with an unprecedented 9-year warranty from the manufacturer.  If you have any problems with these bulbs, call Katherine Johnson at (407) 647-6124 or email at kjohnson@cflfundraiser.org  or dial the toll-free phone number printed on the bulbs for a free replacement.  
 
Q:  Can I put these energy-savings bulbs in any regular light bulb socket?  
A:  These bulbs are made to fit in most regular light bulb sockets.  However, please do not plan to use them in sockets with dimmer switches, photo controls, electronic timers, or emergency exit lights.  Also, they may only be used outdoors in approved fixtures.
 
Q:  These energy-savings bulbs won’t fit in my bathroom vanity or other specialty fixtures? Where can I get these type of bulbs to fit those sockets?
A:  Please go to wherever you regularly buy light bulbs and tell the store manager that he/she needs to carry these type of energy-saving bulbs.  To help locate a wholesale provider, your store manager may visit www.energystar.gov

Q:  When will the energy-saving bulbs that I buy today be delivered?
A:   Your bulbs will be delivered to you in June.
 
Q:  Where are these energy-saving bulbs manufactured?
A:  Due to financial pressures, there are not any companies currently manufacturing these types of bulbs in the USA.  However, the manufacturer of these bulbs, TCP, is a U.S. company based in Aurora, OH and they employ over 150 people in the US.  TCP is the only prime manufacturer of CFL's currently doing business in the USA.  All other marketers of this technology are receiving product from Chinese or Indian contract manufacturing.  The other manufacturers do not have direct control of quality or production, causing wide variances in reliability and color consistency.

Q:  Can you put CFLs in “enclosed areas?” 
A:  Most CFLs are not rated for this use however, these bulbs are UL listed for operation within a completely closed fixture, up to and including 23W.

Q:  What’s an “approved outdoor fixture” as stated on TCP packaging?” 
A:  An approved outdoor fixture is one that will keep rain and water from splashing the lamp.
    
Q:  How do these CFLs deal with power surges and switchovers to/from generators… relative to standard incandescent?
A:  Fine, but they may flicker just like an incandescent.  If the situation is constantly shifting power then it will shorten the life of the CFL over time.
 
Q:  How resilient to breakage are these CFLs relative to incandescent?
A:  CFL's are tougher than incandescent bulbs as far as breakage and more resistant to vibration, but are not immune

Q:  Do compact fluorescent light bulbs give off Ultraviolet (UV) light?
A:  Compact fluorescent bulbs give off a minimal amount of UV light. It does not pose a hazard.

Q:  How long does it take for a compact fluorescent bulb to reach full brightness?
A:  The start-up time for compact fluorescent lamps varies. Most electronically ballasted units start their lamps instantly. All fluorescent lamps start at a lower light output; depending on the ambient temperature, it may take anywhere from several seconds to several minutes for the lamp to come up to full brightness.

Q:  Is it alright to dispose of CFLs in the trash?
A:  Compact fluorescent light bulbs contain a minute amount of mercury. The amount in a single bulb is generally insignificant and may be legally disposed of in your household garbage. To reduce the risk of bulb breakage or contamination, and to protect yourself from cuts, wrap the bulb in a sealed plastic bag and discard with your trash. Check with you local authorities or waste hauler if you are disposing of a large number of CFLs.  Visit a www.911earth.org and lamprecycle.org for CFL recycling information.

Q:  Should I be concerned about using CFLs in my home?
A:  CFLs are safe to use in your home. No mercury is released when the bulbs are in use and they pose no danger to you or your family when used properly.

Q:  How do I safely dispose of a CFL when it burns out?
A:  It is best to recycle your CFL. Recycling programs exist for mercury in older non-digital thermostats and mercury thermometers, but residential CFL recycling programs are just now appearing. To find a residential recycling program in your area, visit earth911.org or lamprecycle.org. You can also call 1-800-CLEAN-UP.

If recycling is not an option in your area, place the CFL in a sealed plastic bag and dispose the same way you would batteries, oil-based paint and motor oil at your local Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Site. If your local HHW Collection Site cannot accept CFLs, seal the CFL in a plastic bag and place with your regular trash.

Q:  What should I do if I break a CFL?
A:  If a CFL breaks carefully sweep up all the  fragments – wipe the area with a wet towel and dispose of all fragments, including the used towel, in a sealed plastic bag. Follow all disposal instructions. If possible open windows to allow the room to ventilate. Do NOT use a vacuum. Place all fragments in a sealed plastic bag and follow disposal instructions.

Q:  Where may I learn more about compact fluorescent lighting?
A:  Go to the Energy Star web site at www.energystar.gov  and choose Products and then Lighting.
 
Q:  Where may I learn how else to lower my energy bill?
A:  The Orlando Utilities Commission web site at www.ouc.com  or the Energy Star^® web site at www.energystar.gov  are two good places to start.  
 
Q:  Where can I learn more about the Light Bulb Fund Raiser?
A:  Visit www.cflfundraiser.org. Or, contact Katherine Johnson,  at (407) 647 - 6124 or kjohnson@cflfundraiser.org.