Use CFLs to Save on Lighting for the New Year

by Chuck Hall

Here’s a money-saving idea for the New Year: Using compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) to replace incandescent lamps is one of the simplest and easiest ways to conserve energy.  Recent modifications in design have vastly improved the CFLs of today. If you’ve used CFLs in the past and set them aside because of the harsh light and short life, now’s the time to try them again.

Today’s CFLs produce as much light as an incandescent lamp for around four to six times less energy.  CFLs also last between eight and ten times longer than incandescent lamps.  The harsh light produced by the older variety has been improved as well. Different color temperatures are available from warm white to daylight to soft light. There are also CFLs equipped with reflectors to use for floodlight applications. Today’s CFLs are virtually indistinguishable from incandescent lamps. While the up-front cost is more, savings over the life of the lamp can be between $35 and $80 or even more. 

If you intend to use a CFL in a dimmer switch, be sure that it is dimmer compatible. The package will indicate whether the bulb can be used with a dimmer switch. If it doesn’t specify ‘dimmer compatible’ on the package, it can’t be used with a dimmer switch. Don’t attempt to dim a CFL that isn’t rated dimmer-compatible. Dimmer switches work by varying the amount of voltage supplied to the lamp. Each CFL has its own ballast that regulates the voltage going to the bulb, so using a non-dimmable CFL will overwork the ballast as it tries to supply a steady level of voltage to the lamp. While some varieties of CFL will dim to a limited degree, the range is nowhere near as great as that of a dimmable CFL. Additionally, using a CFL not dimmer-compatible could greatly shorten the life of the bulb.

A color temperature of 5,000ºK with a CRI (color rendering index) of 82 or higher should provide a good daylight type source for a dimmable lamp, compatible with most incandescent daylight bulbs.

Compact fluorescent lamps are available at most of the larger hardware stores and even at some drugstores. Your local electric utility may also carry CFL lamps. A larger variety may be available online. A replacement for a 100-watt incandescent bulb can usually be purchased for less than $15. This price might seem a bit high until you consider the long life and the energy savings to be had. Some CFLs last as long as seven years and use as little as fifteen watts!

One final note: CFLs can be used in any incandescent socket without any modifications, so start saving today!