ClimateSmart Home Service

The CFLs provided in the ClimateSmart Home Service are high quality and meet specific Australian ISO standards.

CFLs have been independently tested and have been found to last an average of 15,000 hours – 15 times longer than incandescent light globes. They use about one-fifth of the energy of incandescent light globes.

The globes provided as part of the service are 15-watt compact fluorescent light globes (CFLs) in warm white. A 15-watt CFL is equivalent to a 75-watt incandescent light globe.

Unfortunately, no. The available technology is too expensive to be provided as part of this program.

CFLs use only 20% of the electricity used by incandescent globes to produce the same amount of light. This means reduced electricity consumption and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. CFLs also last 15 times longer than incandescent globes, so they are particularly good for areas that require lighting for long periods of time such as living areas.

CFLs can be disposed of in regular garbage bins, where the garbage goes to landfill. CFLs should not be placed in your kerbside recycling collection. For further information on disposing of CFLs please visit the Queensland Government’s ClimateSmart Living website.

Like common incandescent light globes, CFLs can have either a screw or bayonet fitting to fit the most common light fixtures.

CFLs do contain a small amount of mercury (around 5mg on average) sealed within the glass tubing. When the bulbs are in use, no mercury is released and they are safe to use in the home.

Research indicates that, with appropriate handling, there is no health risk to you or your family if they break, but careful handling and disposal is recommended. For information on CFL clean up and disposal guidelines visit the Queensland Government’s ClimateSmart Living website.