1. Is it OK to use CFLs in fixtures prone to vibration such as ceiling fans and garage door openers?
    It's currently not recommended to use CFL bulbs in vibrating fixtures as the vibration can cause the electronics in CFLs to fail1.
  2. What should I do if I break a CFL bulb?
    Fluorescent lamps contain a small amount of mercury, which is a hazardous substance. In the case of a broken lamp, the best thing to do is dispose of the lamp remains wearing chemical resistant gloves made of vinyl, PVC or neoprene. The standard gloves you buy in the supermarket for household cleaning are sufficient. Remember to follow state and federal regulations for disposing of mercury-containing lamps2.
  3. Can you suggest ways to locate phantom load in my home?
    Look around the rooms in your home to see what might be lit up, such as power indicator lights on devices. If it doesn't run on a battery it is using electricity from your cooperative3.
  4. Does it really save energy to turn my thermostat down at night in the winter?
    Yes, turning the thermostat down saves energy and money. Your home will lose less heat when the inside temperature is lower and the longer your home is at a lower temperature, the more you save. While your furnace will use a greater amount of energy when the temperature is turned back up, the energy saved during setback is more4.
  5. What is LED lighting and how does it work?
    Light emitting diodes, commonly called LEDs, are real unsung heroes in the electronics world. They do dozens of different jobs and are found in all kinds of devices. Among other things, they form the numbers on digital clocks, transmit information from remote controls, light up watches and tell you when your appliances are turned on. When clustered, they can form images on a jumbo television screen or illuminate a traffic light.

    Basically, LEDs are just tiny light bulbs that fit easily into an electrical circuit. But unlike ordinary incandescent bulbs, they don't have a filament that will burn out, and they don't get especially hot. They are illuminated solely by the movement of electrons in a semiconductor material, and they last just as long as a standard transistor5.