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The advantages of CFLs over incandescent bulbs include:
CFLs come in many shapes and sizes:
Approx. 5000K = Cool White (white/blue)
60 13-18 890
75 18-22 1210
100 23-28 1750
150 34-42 2780
Limitations of CFL light bulbs
- Efficient: CFLs are four times more efficient and last up to 10 times longer than incandescents. A 22
watt CFL has about the same light output as a 100 watt incandescent. - Less Expensive: Although initially more expensive, you save money in the long run because CFLs use
1/3 the electricity and last up to 10 times as long as incandescents. A single 18 W CFL replacing a 75 W
incandescent will save about 570 kWh over its lifetime or, at $0.08 per kWh, a $45 savings. - Reduces Air and Water Pollution: Replacing a single incandescent bulb with a CFL will keep a half-ton
of CO2 out of the atmosphere over the life of the bulb. If everyone in the United States used energy-
efficient lighting, we could retire 90 average size power plants. - High-Quality Light: Newer CFLs give a warm, inviting light (vs the "cool white" light of older
fluorescents) by using rare earth phosphors. New electronically ballasted CFLs don't flicker or hum. - Versatile: CFLs can be applied nearly anywhere that incandescent lights are used. 3-way CFLs are
also now available as are dimmable CFLs.
CFLs come in many shapes and sizes:
- Choose the color temperature:
Approx. 5000K = Cool White (white/blue)
- Choose the shape. Generally , the tube surface area determines how much light the bulb produces
- Match lumens to the incandescent being replaced. Lumens indicate the amount of light being
generated. (Watts is a measure of energy use, not light strength.) Compare lumens and
watts: Incandescent Watts...... . ..CFL Watt range... . . ... .. Lumen Range
60 13-18 890
75 18-22 1210
100 23-28 1750
150 34-42 2780
Limitations of CFL light bulbs
- CFLs are sensitive to frequent on/off cycling. Their rated lifetimes of 10,000 hours are reduced
- Timers: Most CFLs can be used with a timer, however some timers are incompatible
- Outdoors: CFLs should be shaded from the elements; Low temperatures may reduce light levels
- Retail lighting: CFLs are not spot lights. CFLs are better for area lighting.
- Mercury content: CFLs contain small amounts of mercury which is a toxic metal which may be released
if the bulb is broken, or during disposal. New 'Alto' CFL bulbs are available with low-mercury content.
- Triple Tube Lamps: have more tubing in a smaller area, generating even
more light in a shorter bulb.
- Standard Lamps: are spiral lamps with a dome cover. They are designed to
give the appearance of a traditional light bulb for consumers looking for the
more familiar light bulb appearance. The glass diffuser provides a quality of
light similar to the 'soft-white' type of incandescent bulbs.
- Globe Lamps: are commonly used in bathroom vanity mirrors or open
hanging lamps, and bare bulb applications. The glass diffuser provides a
soft-white light.
- Flood Lamps: are ideal for recessed and track lighting fixtures. They provide
diffused, soft, white light, and generate less heat than will an incandescent
flood or a halogen bulb.
- Candelabra: The screw-in torpedo-shape and the small-base of this bulb is
designed for smaller light fixtures throughout the house, from chandeliers to
sconces.