Compact Fluorescent

Switching from traditional bulbs (or incandescents) to CFLs is the easiest and quickest way to reduce your home energy costs and contribute to a better environment. The benefits of CFLs have been summarized in our Lighting Products page. You can also click on "Make the Switch" image to review the benefits and calculate potential savings.

CFLs come in many shapes and sizes. We encourage you to view the "Choose A Light Guide" before selecting the right light for your home. You can also read about the different bulb shapes and styles under CFL Bulb Shapes below. Alternatively, you can contact us by phone or e-mail and we will be happy to help. 		Calculate your Savings



SpiralsSpirals
A-ShapeA-Shape
Globe
Dimmable
CandelCandel
DayLightDayLight
Three-WayThree-Way
ReflectorsReflectors
Candelabra BaseCandelabra Base
Colored BulbsColored Bulbs
Wet LocationsWet Locations
GU10 BaseGU10 Base
GU24 BaseGU24 Base
2-Pin Cluster Quads2-Pin Cluster Quads
2-Pin Twin Tubes2-Pin Twin Tubes
CFL Mogul BaseCFL Mogul Base
4-Pin "F" Quads4-Pin "F" Quads
4-Pin 2-Ds4-Pin 2-Ds
4-Pin Circulars4-Pin Circulars
4-Pin Cluster Quads4-Pin Cluster Quads
4-Pin Reflectors4-Pin Reflectors
4-Pin Spirals4-Pin Spirals
4-Pin Triples4-Pin Triples
4-Pin Twins4-Pin Twins
Single Pin LinearSingle Pin Linear
Bi-Pin Linear LampsBi-Pin Linear Lamps
Bi-Pin U-Shaped LampsBi-Pin U-Shaped Lamps
GU5.3 MR16GU5.3 MR16
RecyclingRecycling


CFL Bulb Shapes:

 CFLs Are available in different sizes and shapes to fit in almost any fixture, for indoors and outdoors. The following are the most common shapes and styles:
Spiral: They are the most popular type of Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL). Spiral CFLs are made in several sizes to fit most common fixtures. You can replace most of your traditional bulbs around the house with spiral CFLs. Their light casting qualities are similar to incandescent lights however consuming a lot less energy.
Three-way and Dimmable Spiral CFLs: If you want to fit a fixture with a dimmer switch, you have to make sure you buy a dimmable CFL. Similarly, fixtures with three way switches require the use of a three-way CFL. Make sure the package you buy clearly state either the word dimmable or three-way. Dimmable CFLs maintain their white color better than incandescent lamps which turn yellow as they dim. However, while incandescent lights dim to no output, dimmable CFLs dim to 10-40% of their original brightness. Both three-way and dimmable CFLs typically come in soft white color temperature.
A-Shape CFLs: These look much like the traditional incandescent lamps, a CFL spiral lamp with a dome cover. Consumers who do not like the spiral look will find the A-Shape CFLs a more familiar look with the same spiral CFL energy saving features. Their light is also similar to the “soft white” of incandescents.
Globe CFLs: They are ideal for use where the bulb can be seen, such as in bathroom vanity mirrors or open hanging lamps. A Globe bulb is a spiral bulb with a decorative cover. They generally provide a soft white light.
Daylight CFLs: Daylight bulbs have a color temperature of at least 5,000 degrees Kelvin, which produces a very white daylight-like light. These bulbs are screw-in with a standard/medium E26 base.
Candel CFLs: These bulbs are ideal for use in smaller decorative fixtures where you can see the light bulbs such as chandeliers and sconces.
Reflector bulbs:
Indoor: Perfect for providing directional light such as recessed ceiling lights in kitchens or ceiling fans. Indoor bulbs are much smaller than outdoor reflector bulbs and can be dimmable for use with a dimmer switch.
Outdoor: These bulbs are built to withstand the elements. It is advisable not to use the outdoor reflectors with timers and motion sensors as this use will shorten the life of the bulbs.




Color Temperature

 Correlated color temperature (CCT) relates to the color of a light produced by a light source expressed in degrees Kelvin (°K). Incandescent lights have a low color temperature (approximately 2800°K) and have a red-yellowish tone; daylight has a high color temperature (approximately 6000°K) and appears bluish (the most popular fluorescent light Cool White is rated at 4100°K). Today, the phosphors used in fluorescent lights can be blended to provide any desired color temperature in the range from 2800°K to 7000°K. The table below lists the color temperature of various light sources.

1500 K     candle light                                      warm
1800 K     sunlight at dawn light                      warm
2000 K     high pressure sodium light              warm
2700 K     conventional incandescent light      warm
2800 K     warm white fluorescent light           warm
3000 K     halogen light                                   warm
4000 K     cool white fluorescent light             neutral
5000 K     sunlight at midday                           cool
6000 K     mercury vapor light                          cool
6500 K     daylight fluorescent light                  cool


Consult this chart for:
- Light output equivalency between Incandescents and CFLs
- CFL generated $Cost and CO2 Emissions savings CFL bulbs

Incandescent CFL Cost Savings
(.10/KWh) 		CO2 Savings
40w 11-14w $39-$44 507-572lbs.
60w 15-19w $62-$68 806-884lbs
75w 20-25w $76-$83 988-1079lbs.
100w 26-29w $107-$112 1391-1456lbs.
150w 38-42w $163-$169 2119-2197lbs.