• There are government regulations for the manufacturing of compact fluorescent bulbs.Compact fluorescent lightbulb image by K. Geijer from Fotolia.com
  
  Lighting accounts for 5 to 10 percent of the average household’s energy bills; changing your light bulbs to energy efficient lighting can significantly reduce your energy expenses. LED (light emitting diode) lights are the most energy efficient lighting type with the longest life. CFL (compact fluorescent lights) are energy efficient (half as efficient as LED) and less expensive, but they contain mercury, a toxic chemical. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct) enacted regulations for residential lighting products.
  
  

Ceiling Fan Light Kits

• According to the EPAct, ceiling fans and ceiling fan light kits made after Jan. 1, 2007, must separate their lighting controls from the fan speed controls.
  
  

Compact Fluorescent Lamps

• An EPAct regulation states that medium base compact fluorescent lamps, which include bare lamps and covered lamps made on or after Jan. 1, 2006, must adhere to the requirements that were established by the 2001 Requirements for Compact Fluorescent Lamps established by the EPA. This includes following standards for minimal initial efficacy, rapid cycle stress test and lamp life.
  
  

Energy Star Program Requirements

• Because of Section 131 of the EPAct, Energy Star, which is run by the EPA and the United States Department of Energy, is empowered to act as a program to federally promote energy efficiency products and buildings through labeling that can highlight the amount of energy saved. The Energy Star Advanced Lighting Package includes provisions that products must comply with to be included in the program. Examples of types of products include residential lighting fixtures and medium screw-based compact fluorescent lamps.