 CFL bulbs, also referred to as compact fluorescent light or energy saving light, are made to replace conventional incandescent bulbs. They differ from incandescents in that they come in a swirled bulb form instead of the traditional globular form. They fit into most light fixtures but are pin design in comparison to screw-in incandescent designs.
The pin designed bulbs can be used with most designs, such as Energy Star, or older lamps. With the use of power strips, they can be used with any lamp, and will still maintain their long lifespan. CFL light bulbs give out the same amount of light, use less power, have a longer rated life, but cost more. While the price is higher, CFL bulbs are estimated to use 25% of the amount of energy, and pay for themselves within 500 hours of use. Their estimated lifespan is about 10,000 hours.
CFL lights radiate a different light spectrum. They have improved subjected color with the use of phosphor formulations, and save $30 per unit. CFLs also save 2,000 times their weight in greenhouse gases. This means you will save money, and the atmosphere will continue to work for you and future generations.
The lifespan of a CFL is a good reason to use it. The average life is 8 to 15 times longer than that of a traditional incandescent bulb with a lifespan. CFLs have an average lifespan of 10,000 hours, but can last up to 15,000 hours. Incandescent bulbs have a lifespan of only 750 to 1,000 hours.
Voltage, manufacturing defects, exposure to voltage spikes, mechanical shock, and the frequency of cycling on and off can reduce the lifespan of CFL lights. The life of a CFL is significantly shorter if it is only turned on for a few minutes at a time. In the case of a 5-minute on/off cycle, the lifespan of a CFL can be up to 85% shorter. The US Energy Star program says to leave them on for at least 15 minutes at a time to mitigate this problem.
A typical CFL is about 17% to 21% efficient in converting electric power to radiant power. This is measured in terms of lumens, which is a measure that accounts for the effect of the source’s spectrum on the eye.
Overall, CFL bulbs are a good investment. They use about one-fourth the energy, and therefore pay for themselves quickly, both financially and environmentally. One important consideration is that all fluorescent lights contain mercury, which means that they need to be carefully disposed of. However, since CFLs last so long, they need to be disposed of less frequently. Recycling programs are also being instituted to help keep CFLs and their toxic mercury out of landfills.
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