CFLs & Lighting Basics

If every home in America replaced just one incandescent light bulb with an ENERGY STAR® qualified Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL), it would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of more than 800,000 cars annually. It’s important to use energy wisely. And CFLs can be an important first step.

Pioneer recommends the use of CFL bulbs for home lighting. There are many benefits to using CFLs versus traditional incandescent lights:

• CFLs last up to 10 times longer, so you replace them less often
• CFLs use up to 75% less energy
• CFLs generate  up to 75% less heat, which can cut energy costs associated with home cooling
• CFLs don’t cost you money, they save you money!

CFL bulbs fit perfectly in standard incandescent sockets and will produce a warm, pleasing light. It is important to select the right CFL for your light fixture, so it will perform well and last a long time. There are many styles and sizes of CFLs to fit a variety of uses. Here are some tips to assist in your selection:

• CFLs perform best in open fixtures that allow airflow such as in table and floor lamps, wall sconces and outdoor fixtures. For help choosing which bulb will work best for which application, refer to this guide from the manufacturer TCP.
• Select a reflector CFL for recessed fixtures.
• For dimmer or 3-way fixtures, select CFLs marked specifically for that purpose.
• CFLs are available in a variety of shades, from warm white which is similar to the light of an incandescent bulb to a brighter, more bluish light to represent daylight.
• Choose a CFL equivalent to the wattage of the incandescent bulb you are replacing. This information will be on the bulb package.
• Select bulbs marked for cold temperatures (0°F and less) if using outside. While standard CFLs may work in extremely cold temperatures, they may not be as bright.
• Socket adapters are available to accommodate a variety of fixtures.