CFL stands for Compact Fluorescent Lamp. It is a small fluorescent light bulb that uses 75% less energy than a traditional incandescent bulb and can be used a direct replacement to most incandescent light bulbs.
CFLs can be used anywhere. They are a great replacement for incandescent light bulbs and are much more efficient. It is also a good practice to use CFLs in hard to reach fixtures, fixtures that stay on for extended amounts of time, and fixtures that have good airflow.
CFLs can be used in enclosed fixtures as long as they are not 100% recessed and allow for airflow. If fully recessed, the air temperature can become to high and cause the inside electronics to prematurely fail.
CFLs can be used outside as long as they have been approved for outdoor use and that the operating temperature can handle the outdoor temperature variation.
In order to use a CFL with a dimmer switch, the CFL must be a dimmable CFL light bulb. Dimmable CFL bulbs are designed specifically for the use with dimmer switches. We highly recommend not using regular CFLs with dimmer switches as it can damage the internal electronics and cause hazard.
Its recommended that you use CFL light bulbs in applications where the bulb remains turned on for at least 15 minutes. 15 minutes allow for proper warm up and for the bulb to achieve the most efficient operating temperature. Turning on and on a CFL light bulb frequently will shorten the life of the bulb and reduce the efficiency benefits.
Most CFL bulbs start instantly, however they don’t reach full brightness immediately. When a CFL bulb turns on it’s internal temperature is approximately ambient and will need several seconds for the temperature to rise and reach full brightness.
Currently CFL light bulbs are not designed to be used with electric timers and photocells. The electronics in the CFL light bulb are not designed to handle timer and photocell application. Check with the manufacturer of the timer and photocell to determine if CFLs can be used.
The cost of a CFL light bulb includes development costs, manufacturing costs, and materials, all of which are being lowered as more bulbs are being manufactured. The energy savings associated with each CFL quickly cover its initial cost, because it will last up to 10x as long as regular incandescent bulb.
All prices are in USD.
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