How to Choose a Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb (CFL) for Your Home

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs, or CFLs, are becoming quite popular. For the consumer, they save both time and money. They are also recommended by the EPA for their benefit to the environment. They consume only 1/3 of the energy of incandescent bulbs, and they last far longer, thereby reducing the amount of bulbs purchased and garbage produced. CFLs also do not heat up as much as incandescent bulbs, leading to lowered cooling costs.

CFLs were introduced in the 1980s, but their high cost and harsh light turned off most consumers. CFLs at that time contained magnetic ballasts, which caused the telltale flickering and slow start of fluorescent bulbs. Now most CFLs contain electronic ballasts, which have greatly reduced both flickering and slow starts. Additionally, their price has dropped considerably over the years. CFLs currently cost 3 to 10 times more than a comparable incandescent bulb, but they will last 8 to 15 times longer, if used properly. Possible reduced energy bills of $30 or more over the lifetime of a CFL also mean lowered costs to the consumer.

The two main categories of CFLs are integrated and non-integrated. Integrated CFLs are the easiest to use, as they can replace incandescent bulbs in existing fixtures, screwing into the fixture just as an incandescent bulb would. Non-integrated CFLs require a special fixture, which are relatively expensive. However, special non-integrated CFL housing allows for features such as dimming, less flicker, and even faster starts.

Deciding whether to use a CFL in a specific location depends on several factors. In cold environments, the light output drops, and in extreme cold CFLs may fail to operate all together. CFLs should not be used in fixtures controlled by dimmers, unless a special dimming CFL is used. CFLs are also not good in fixtures that are turned on and off frequently, such as security lights. CFLs can take a few minutes to warm up to full strength, and frequent cycling shortens the life of the bulb. CFLs also should not be used in enclosed fixtures, like recessed can lighting, as this can create too high temperatures. Lastly, CFLs should not be used in vibrating fixtures, such as ceiling fans, unless special ceiling fan bulbs are purchased.

Most new consumers of CFLs will purchase an integrated CFL to use in an existing fixture in the kitchen, living room, dining room, or bedroom. When at the store, the spiral CFLs are the most readily available. There are also CFLs that feature a cosmetic glass cover, to look more like an incandescent bulb in exposed uses. Regardless of the type of look chosen, the consumer should look for the EnergyStar logo, which indicates that the bulb uses approximately 75% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs, starts in less than one second, and does not flicker.

The next criterion is wattage. Wattage refers to the energy consumed by the bulb, although it is often used to estimate the brightness of the bulb by the consumer. Incandescent bulbs are typically purchased between 40W and150W, for most home use. To get a comparable output from a CFL, a 40W incandescent bulb should be replaced with a 7 or 11W CFL. A 60W incandescent should be replaced by 13 or 15W CFL, and a 100W incandescent should be replaced by a 26 to 29W CFL.

The last factor to consider is the color of light, which is described as color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K). Most CFLs for home use come in four types. "Soft white" or "Warm white" CFLs emit less than 2700K, and produce the yellow light that most people associate with incandescent bulbs. "White," "Bright White," or "Medium White" CFLs emit 2900 to 3000K, and give a less yellow, whiter light. "Cool white" CFLs, at 4000K, give a slightly blue light, and "Daylight" CFLs, at more than 5000K, produce the bluest, or "coolest" light. The names and measures used are not completely standardized among producers yet, and the Kelvin value is not always printed on the package, but this is starting to change, so careful inspection of the package will allow most consumers to purchase the "color" of light bulb they desire.

Many people are concerned about the mercury contained in CFLs. Environmentally, CFLs are superior to incandescent bulbs. The amount of mercury released into the air from coal burning power plants to power an incandescent bulb is far greater than the amount used to power a CFL, even after adding in the mercury contained within the bulb itself. If a bulb breaks, the fragments and particles should be swept up using a broom, never a vacuum, and then placed in a sealed plastic bag. A damp paper towel should be used to wipe down the area and sealed in the bag as well, and the room should be ventilated. Broken or dead CFLs, like paint, batteries, thermostats, and other hazardous waste, should not be incinerated. Local waste management in many areas provides hazardous waste pickup. If this is not available, and the garbage is not incinerated, then CFLs may be sent out with the household garbage in a separate sealed plastic bag. Alternatively, some stores, such as IKEA, now provide CFL take back programs, and recycling programs for CFLs exist in some locations.

Switching to CFLs is now easier and cheaper than ever. They save the consumer time and money, and if widely adopted will create a dramatic drop in pollution. While CFLs are not yet available for all applications, the average homeowner can find at least three fixtures in the home where CFLs can be used, and reap the benefits.