Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)

Lighting can account for 10-20 percent of a home's total energy use. It pays to know which types of lighting are most energy efficient and some of the pros and cons of each. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) have been available for residential use for about 30 years, with recent advances increasing their quality and popularity. They are the most energy efficient choice for homes today. CFLs come in screw-in or pin-based configurations, and in many sizes and shapes. Screw-in lamps fit into almost any fixture that accepts standard incandescent bulbs. CFLs last longer and use few watts of power than incandescent and halogen lamps, and provide the same amount of light. They operate at a low temperature and come in "warm" and "cool" colors. However, most CFLs do not operate well on dimmer switches.

What is Energy Star®?

Energy Star is a government-backed program helping individuals and businesses protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. Energy efficient choices can save families about a third on their energy bill with similar savings of greenhouse gas emissions. Energy Star helps you make the energy efficient choice.

A great place to start being more energy efficient is with your home's lighting. The average family spends more to light their home than to operate the refrigerator all year long. Switching to CFLs can save you time, energy and money - and help the environment. These bulbs can last 6 to 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb, saving you time buying and replacing bulbs and about $25 in energy costs over the life of each bulb. For each CFL you buy, you save as many as 10 trips to purchase an incandescent bulb!

If you still prefer an incandescent bulb, look for 130-volt bulbs. Most us grab whatever we can find, which is usually a 120-volt bulb. The average home has incoming electrical power that is generally greater than 120-volts. Therefore, the 120-volt incandescent light bulb will fail much sooner than a 130-volt bulb, meaning you'll be purchasing bulbs more often. You probably won't find 130-volt bulbs at a discount store, so try an electrical supply store.

Another thing to remember about incandescent light bulbs is that they are actually miniature heaters - the light they emit is just a byproduct. Compared to the amount of energy being used by an incandescent bulb, only about 10% is produced for lighting.