The conventional incandescent light bulb is not only extremely inefficient at
producing light, it also has a very short life, which means it must be replaced
frequently. When you consider these facts, the ordinary light bulb is no
bargain. Help has arrived. One of the great advances in lighting technology is
the compact fluorescent lamp. Developed as a replacement for the common
incandescent light bulb, the super energy efficient compact fluorescent is a miniature
U-shaped fluorescent tube and ballast. Screw-in compact fluorescents fit many of
the fixtures where you previously used incandescent light bulbs. This makes it
possible to replace an incandescent (824 lumens/watt, 750-2,500 hours life) with
a more efficient and long lasting fluorescent lamp (4191 lumens/watt,
7,50010,000 hours life).
As an example, you can replace a 60watt incandescent with a screw-in 15watt compact fluorescent that will last 10 times as long and will deliver about the same amount of light for one quarter the energy. Although compact fluorescents are considerably more expensive than incandescents, they will more than pay for themselves with savings in electricity, lamp replacement and labor costs. Payback is quickest when they are installed in fixtures that are used for many hours each day, year round.
Compact fluorescents are available in a wide variety of styles to suit most lighting needs, with reflectors and extenders that can make them fit and work well in a variety of fixtures. They are available either as one piece screw-in units that incorporate the ballast or as modular units where the tube can be separated from the base/ballast when the lamp burns out. one piece compacts must be discarded, while only the tube need be replaced in a modular unit. The compact fluorescent tubes have lifetimes of 9,000 to 10,000 hours, while the ballasts last 40,000 to 45,000 hours. Compact fluorescents should not be used with dimmers.
Compact fluorescents can be used outdoors, too, as long as they are not directly exposed to the elements. However, they have certain cold limitations. They are dimmer for a brief time when they start, until they get up to their running temperature (an enclosed light fixture helps) and may not start at all under very cold conditions. Ask your supplier which would be the best lamp/ fixture combination for your outside needs, and experiment with the one recommended before making a major change.
