Efficient CFL bulbs

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All across the world, people are starting to switch from incandescent light bulbs over to compact fluorescent lighting (CFL). Not only are they saving money on their energy costs, they're also reducing our greenhouse emissions and conserving our resources. Compact fluorescents use less than one-third as much energy as incandescent bulbs do.

If you're considering making the switch, just remember the words "watt four." What for? Because the "watt four rule" states that when you're switching over from an incandescent bulb to a CFL bulb, divide the wattage of the old bulb by four and then acquire the CFL bulb that's the closest to the number. For example, if you're replacing a 50-watt bulb, you'd get a 13-watt CFL bulb.

Nevertheless it isn't quite that simple, when you possess a dizzying assortment of standard or specialty CFL bulbs to pick from, so you should be careful to discover one which will suit your purposes.

Spiral CFL Bulbs

These are considered the standard CLF bulbs, have their limitations. You can't use them in tight places where there isn't much air flow, or they'll overheat. They don't work well in cold places either, as they'll spend a lot of time warming up and won't reach full brightness for quite awhile, if at all. You can't use them for dimming or for three-way switches. They also aren't tailored for damp places. And some people don't like the way they look or the warm-coloured light they give off. For these and other reasons, some people favor acquiring a specialty Energy Efficient CFL bulb. Some of the primary types of specialty CFL bulbs are described here:

Covered Spiral

Covered spiral CFLs (on occasion called standard bulbs because they resemble incandescent bulbs) have a glass dome cover. These put out a light like the "soft white" type of incandescent bulb.

Globe

Globe CFL's also contain a glass cover, so they resemble the covered spiral bulbs. Globe bulbs are designed to be used in hot places where other varieties of CFLs tend to falter. These are good for use in overhead bathroom fixtures, vanity mirrors and in closed-in areas.

Dimming

These contain the word "dimming" on the label, and are available in various shapes and sizes. They only work with certain switches, so check to be sure you use the correct switch, or you'll burn the bulb out quickly.

Candelabra

Candelabra bulbs are torpedo-shaped and are made for small light fixtures.

Triple Tube

Triple tube bulbs are extra compact, and they pack a lot of light into a smaller bulb.

Hybrid

These are a hybrid halogen/CFL bulb, with the halogen filament reaching full brightness instantly. The halogen filament then gradually shuts off as the CFL reaches full brightness.

Reflector

These feature a shiny reflector to direct the low energy lighting. In many new homes and renovations, down-light recessed can fixtures are becoming increasingly popular, and reflector CFL bulbs provide the ideal fit for them. Reflector bulbs also work nicely in upright can fixtures, track lighting and accent lighting fixtures. Make certain to get bulbs that fit properly and don't protrude from the fixture, or they may cause glare.

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