CFL Bulbs

CFL Bulbs, which stand for "Compact Fluorescent Lamps," are types of fluorescent light bulbs that are designed to fit in standard bulb sockets. CFL bulbs have a much longer life span than that of incandescent bulbs (6,000-15,000 hours, as opposed to incandescent bulbs' 750-1000 hours).

Although they cost slightly more than incandescent bulbs -- costing up to 4x that of a regular package of its incandescent counterpart -- CFL bulbs save more money than the old bulbs in the long-run...not only because you'll be replacing them much less often, but because they are designed for greater energy efficiency.

According to international standard EnergyStar, CFL bulbs consume 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs, and they last about 10x longer. Ironically, the amount of light they emit is noticeably greater. Once you use a CFL bulb in any room within your home for the first time, you'll notice a drastic difference in the amount of light the CFL puts out!

There are different sizes and shapes of CFL bulbs for various lighting purposes. You're not stuck with the spiral shape, if you don't fancy it...so, pick up a traditional incandescent (rounded) shaped, globe shaped, or flat-head shaped CFL bulb.

Recycling:
CFL bulbs will require special recycling attention, as they cannot be simply thrown away in the trash. A small amount of mercury is contained within the CFL bulb, that can contaminate the area around it when broken. This mercury amount is undergoing plans for regulation.

Safety:
...with the above statement being said, it is particularly dangerous to handle a broken CFL bulb without precaution. Treat it like a hazardous materials leak, because that is what it is! Mercury is a dangerous substance that should not make contact with your skin.

Location-based usage:
Special versions of CFL bulbs are available for outdoor usage, able to withstand weather and temperature changes (whereas the standard indoor types cannot). For dimmer switches and 3-ways, yet another bulb is available for these specific purposes.

Bases - Candelabra vs. Medium:
Note that these CFL bulb types are also sold by base (the screw part) sizes. The candelabra bases are thinner than the medium bases. Medium base CFL bulbs fit in your standard light fixture socket.

Heat Generation:
Researchers have deducted that about 90% of the energy powering CFL bulbs is converted into heat - not light.

Incandescent is not dead:
Companies such as General Electric have stated that they are re-vamping the old incandescent lights to compete with these new CFL bulbs; in so much that they will rival the energy saving benefits of its fluorescent competitor!