Compact Fluorescent Lamps
Using 80% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs, for years CFLs have delivered the biggest savings.
Quick guide
Price Guide $5.00-10.00 per bulb (dimmable bulbs may cost more)
Potential savings per bulb
$111.00 over life of bulb
Where to Buy
Supermarkets, DIY Outlets, Variety Stores and Specialty Lighting Stores
Energy savings
Uses 80% less energy than standard incandescents.
Lifespan
A quality CFL will last a minimum of 6,000 hours (some are rated up to 15,000 hours).
Features
Many different shapes, styles, sizes and various colours of 'whites'. Low energy consumption – they're very efficient.
Use them
Where light is on for many hours and in low-profile wall and ceiling lights where their size can be an advantage. Floor standing and table lamps. Outdoor paths and flood lighting. In fittings where the bulb sits behind a lampshade and as background lighting.
Don't use them
With dimmers (unless you purchase a special dimmer version). With sensors and other electronic switches (unless you choose a special high-switch version suited to these applications). Where the fitting is enclosed with no ventilation (this may shorten the life expectancy of the bulb). For task lighting.
Now they also come in a broad range of colour temperatures, shapes and styles to complement any décor. You can use them to create soft, relaxed environments and add mood lighting in places like dining rooms, lounges and hallways.
Advantages
CFLs use 80% less energy than standard incandescent light bulbs. Quality CFLs last between 6,000 and 15,000 hours and should withstand at least 3000 switch on/off cycles.
This long life and the electricity savings are the reasons why good quality CFLs work out much cheaper to use than standard incandescent light bulbs in the long term.
CFLs used to only be available in ‘cool stark white’ light colours. But today there are 'warm white' options too that are very close in colour to the light from standard incandescent light bulbs. This gives you the ability to select the right tone of light for the various areas of your home.
CFLs now also come in a wide range of shapes, sizes and with increased functionality and choice. This makes them suited to an ever increasing range of home (and business) applications.
Disadvantages
While the increasing choice and functionality makes CFLs more versatile, it also makes choosing the right light bulb for the job more important.
Standard CFLs are generally unsuitable for recessed down lights with built in reflectors – unless the fitting is designed to take them. If you want to convert the downlight choose a CFL of the same physical size and equivalent light output ensuring it fits within the reflector and provides an air-gap around the base. CFLs take a minute or so to warm up to full brightness, so they are also not suitable for places where instant light is required, like inside a pantry.
Although CFLs produce much less heat than standard incandescent light bulbs, the electronic control components in the base do not withstand heat well. So not all CFLs are suitable for all enclosed fittings that have limited air circulation or heat dissipation (e.g. outdoor bulkhead lights). The light from a CFL is more difficult to focus than that from an incandescent too. This makes CFLs more suitable for general room lighting rather than spot lighting where focused light is required.
Not all CFLs are suitable for dimmers and other electronic switches including proximity sensors, although some special dimmer versions are available and are becoming more affordable for the residential market.
Choosing the right CFL
Given that CFLs provide far more choices than standard incandescent light bulbs, there are a number of things to consider when choosing the right CFL for your light fitting. The following information should be clearly labelled on the packaging:
- The type of base - bayonet or screw base are the most common. Make sure the base fits the light fitting by matching it to the bulb you are replacing.
- Light colour. 'Warm white' (2700K) is close to the standard incandescent bulbs most of us are used to. Cooler light temperatures such as ‘cool daylight’ (4000K) are also available and are good for areas where greater contrast is required.
- Light output. The packaging should clearly state which incandescent bulb the CFL is designed to replace. For example, a 20W CFL is equivalent to a 100W incandescent bulb.
- Functionality. Standard CFLs will not work on a dimmer circuit and if they are used in a high switch area, this will decrease their lifespan. Make sure you choose a bulb with the functionality you need, and, only use as directed.
Quality
Like all products, the quality of CFLs can vary greatly between brands. It's worth checking the life expectancy on the packaging (a quality bulb should last at least 6,000 hours) as well as the supplier’s warranty. We recommend buying a brand you trust.
What happens to a CFL when it dies?
When a CFL is about to die:
- Significantly reduced light output from when it was new
- There is pronounced blackening of the tube
- Longer starting time, perhaps with more starting flicker
- Yellow/brown discolouring of plastic at the base of the bulb
- Loud buzzing sounds.
If you see any of these signs in a CFL in your home, it is time to turn off the light, let it cool down and replace it.