Everything you need to know about a Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb
Did you know that the incandescent light bulb was invented in the 19th century? And we’re still using that same technology today in the 21st century? This well-deserved improvement can significantly cut your overall energy usage. See below for more information on great new lighting solutions.
- CFLs use 1/4 of the electricity of incandescent light bulbs.
- They last 7 to 10 times longer than the equivalent incandescent bulb.
- They produce significantly less heat, which means it will cost less to cool and more to warm your home.
- The technology has developed rapidly in the last 3 years and light they generate is comparable to incandescent and halogen light bulbs.
- The color temperatures range from 2,700K (incandescent) to 6,100K (daylight).
- The Color Rendering Index (CRI), a rating of 0-100 that measures how illumination will affect color, is 82 or higher for all CFL bulbs. A rating of 100 is the closest to true color possible.
- They come in a range of styles; torpedoes for chandeliers, globes for bathrooms, R-30 for recessed cans, etc.
- Dimmable bulbs tend to be more expensive than non-dimmable, but will increase long-term savings even more.
- Always remember, CFLs need to be recycled as they contain Mercury. For more information on local recycling stations, check out Earth 911.
- Light bulb technology is advancing rapidly. The next wave of bulbs are mercury-free alternatives called LED bulbs. These bulbs have a longer usage than CFLs and incandescents and can provide huge savings. The technology is new and they are much more expensive than CFLs for the time being, but for more information we recommend doing your own research to find what works best for you.
- The brand of light bulbs that are highly recommended are TCP/Ecosmart and Cree while lower end bulbs are Philips and Sylvania.
|
Incandescent |
CFL |
Dimmable CFL |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Types of bulbs: |
Known as: |
Lifespan |
Cost |
Watts |
Lifespan |
Cost |
Lifespan |
Cost |
Lumens / Watt |
|
A-19 |
Light bulb / Helix or Spiral |
750 |
$1.25 |
10 |
10,000 |
$2,10 |
25,000 |
$12,50 |
69 |
|
Torpedo |
Torpedo |
1,500 |
$1,25 |
11 |
25,000 |
$4.20 |
25,000 |
$10.50 |
41 |
|
G-25 |
Globe |
1,500 |
$1,40 |
11 |
25,000 |
$4.40 |
25,000 |
$9.50 |
41 |
|
R-20 |
2.5” Floodlight |
2,000 |
$1,70 |
11 |
8,000 |
$6.20 |
25,000 |
$9.50 |
41 |
|
R-30 |
3.7” Floodlight |
2,000 |
$3,15 |
11 |
10,000 |
$8.70 |
18,000 |
$13.96 |
54 |
|
PAR 38 |
Large Flood |
2,500 |
$5,80 |
12 |
8,000 |
$6.60 |
18,000 |
$14.00 |
48 |
 |
Name: Cree Cr6 LED |
 |
Name: TCP EcoSmart soft white (14-watt) CFL |
 |
Name: TCP EcoSmart A19 LED |
 |
Name: EarthLED DesignoLux CL-3 LED |
 |
Name: Feit Electric 15 Watt BR30 Reflector CFL Bulb 12 Pack |