Sylvania introduces Micro-Mini CFL with longer life and less mercury content

Sylvania has introduced the smallest Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) in the word, it lasts for 11 years and has less mercury content than the current CFLs in the market.

Sylvania calls this micro-mini CFL, is only 3.7 inches long compared to the standard fluorescent lamp which is 4.4 inches long. Sylvania introduced this new brand at the annual LIGHT Congress show in New York City. Kelly Rutherford, a Gossip Girl TV show actress helped introduced the micro-mini “Twist” to the market.

Rutherford told the audience:

I replaced a number of the incandescent light bulbs in my house with the Sylvania micro-mini CFL and now I won’t have to think about them for another decade! It was such an easy and quick way to make my home more energy-efficient and I’m happy knowing that I’m doing my part to help the environment.

The micro-mini will work with the same outlets as the 60, 75 or 100 watt incandescent bulb. It is 30 percent smaller than a standard CFL and lasts up to 12,000 hours (or 11 years). Another unique part of this bulb is it has low mercury content, 1.5 milligrams of mercury compared to 5 milligrams in current CFLs. And if they are safely disposed, the mercury content in them can be recycled.

They are currently available at Amazon for $13.99 for a pair.

Here is the size comparison between the standard CFL and the micro-mini CFL. The standard CFL is on the left.

By changing one 60W bulb to a 13W micro-mini CFL, one can save up to $56 on an electric bill over the life of the bulb according to Sylvania. Since we have more than one in homes, the savings multiplies. If you change 5 bulbs, there is a $280 savings. Plus you don’t have to change the bulb for a decade and has lower mercury content, which is recyclable also.

LEDs which are superior than CFL will also become available soon. Till then we can use micro-mini CFLs.

Have you switched to CFLs?