Compact Fluorescent Lamps In Focus

Energy savings

CFLs use 70 to 80 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs. The typical incandescent lamp wastes 90 percent of the energy it uses since it produces heat rather than light. A 100-watt incandescent lamp may be replaced with a 20 to 23-watt CFL. Although CFLs may appear different than the common incandescent bulbs, CFLs fit most standard fixtures found in homes today. The screw-in base is the same for both lamps.

Long Life

CFLs last approximately 6,000 tto 10,000 hours. This is 8 to 13 times longer than the life of an incandescent lamp with an expected life of 750 to 1,000 hours.

Warm Light

Most CFLs have improved color rendition. The light is of a warm tone that is almost identical to that of an incandescent lamp. Most people can't tell the difference.


Savings chart - Quality CFL vs. quality incandescent bulb




Taken from The Philippine Star

CFL - A More Efficient Alternative

The old adage "you can pay now or will pay later" is true when it comes to lighting. Incandescent lamps have dominated the residential lighting market for years and still do today. Why? Because they are cheaper to purchase and up until a few years ago provided an unmatched quality of light.

A new and advanced lighting technology called the compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) is more efficient alternative to incandescent lamp. It offers the potential for sinificant economic and environmental savings. A versatile range of different lamp-ballast configurations is available that can provide a comfortable, productive, and well-illuminated space if properly used.

They also have a much longer life -- usually 6000-10,000 hours compared to 750 to 1000 hours for a standard incandescent bulb.

A compact fluorescent lamp will initially cost more than an incandescent bulb, but because it lasts longer and costs so much less to run, it will prove to be a better bargain over time. Just keep in mind that light bulbs cost much more to run than to buy in the first place.

When should you not use a CFL? The relatively high purchase price is least justified where energy savings are small - in fixtures that are rarely used. Focus your investments on the heavily used fixtures instead, such as where the lamp will be on for an average of at least 3 hours each day. CFLs are not intended to be used with vertical base-up position and not with electronic timers or photocell sensors, and using them with such devices can significantly reduce their life span and cause other problems.

Taken from The Philippine Star