Energy Star Advantages

Energy Star is a program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  The program's mission is to improve energy efficiency throughout the U.S.  It has Energy Star standards for manufacturers of a variety of household components, like roofing, windows, heating and lighting.

Buying Energy Star rated CFLs assures of:

• A specified rapid start and ramp-up to full brightness
• A specified high efficiency
• Mercury limits
• The same light color as incandescents (unless otherwise stated)
• A variety of styles and compatibility with various light controls

The full set of requirements for manufacturers of Energy Star rated CFLs is here.  Generally, Energy Start CFLs cost more than others, but meeting the specifications requires more care on the vendor's part than just cranking out the cheapest bulb that will light up.  My take on it is that Energy Star CFLs will give sufficiently more satisfaction to warrant most price differences.

The clincher is that your state or power company may provide rebates or other incentives.  Our power company, for instance, provides $2 coupons for individual Energy Star bulbs, and higher value coupons for multi-bulb packages.

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