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Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs, or CFLs, are becoming quite popular. For the consumer, they save both time and money. They are also recommended by the EPA for their benefit to the environment. They consume only 1/3 of the energy of incandescent bulbs, and they last far longer, thereby reducing the amount of bulbs purchased and garbage produced. CFLs also do not heat up as much as incandescent bulbs, leading to lowered cooling costs.

CFLs were introduced in the 1980s, but their high cost and harsh light turned off most consumers. CFLs at that time contained magnetic ballasts, which caused the telltale flickering and slow start of fluorescent bulbs. Now most CFLs contain electronic ballasts, which have greatly reduced both flickering and slow starts. Additionally, their price has dropped considerably over the years. CFLs currently cost 3 to 10 times more than a comparable incandescent bulb, but they will last 8 to 15 times longer, if used properly. Possible reduced energy bills of $30 or more over the lifetime of a CFL also mean lowered costs to the consumer.

The two main categories of CFLs are integrated and non-integrated. Integrated CFLs are the easiest to use, as they can replace incandescent bulbs in existing fixtures, screwing into the fixture just as an incandescent bulb would. Non-integrated CFLs require a special fixture, which are relatively expensive. However, special non-integrated CFL housing allows for features such as dimming, less flicker, and even faster starts.

Deciding whether to use a CFL in a specific location depends on several factors. In cold environments, the light output drops, and in extreme cold CFLs may fail to operate all together. CFLs should not be used in fixtures controlled by dimmers, unless a special dimming CFL is used. CFLs are also not good in fixtures that are turned on and off frequently, such as security lights. CFLs can take a few minutes to warm up to full strength, and frequent cycling shortens the life of the bulb. CFLs also should not be used in enclosed fixtures, like recessed can lighting, as this can create too high temperatures. Lastly, CFLs should not be used in vibrating fixtures, such as ceiling fans, unless special ceiling fan bulbs are purchased.

Most new consumers of CFLs will purchase an integrated CFL to use in an existing fixture in the kitchen, living room, dining room, or bedroom. When at the store, the spiral CFLs are the most readily available. There are also CFLs that feature a cosmetic glass cover,

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