Choosing the Right CFL

When shopping for a Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL), purchase only those with the ENERGY STAR^® Label. The ENERGY STAR Label indicates the CFL meets the strict energy-efficiency and quality guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy. CFLs must pass rigorous third party testing to qualify for the ENERGY STAR Label. All ENERGY STAR CFLs carry a minimum two-year warranty.

Picking the Right Color CFL

CFLs feature a new technology, much different from incandescent light bulbs. Unlike incandescent lights, CFLs emit a variety of colors because manufacturers use different Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) when manufacturing CFLs.

CCT, a measurement of light temperature commonly used to classify different hues, tones, and colors of ENERGY STAR CFLs, uses the Kelvin (K) scale. Unlike incandescent lights, ENERGY STAR CFLs sold in different CCTs, come tailored-made for different decors (warm or cool) and in a wide variety of colors.

Check the packaging to see what type of color temperature, or CCT you purchase. The lower the K number, the warmer the color; and, the higher the K number, the cooler the color. The most common CCT types are warm (or soft) white and daylight (natural light, bright white).

The most popular CCTs for warm or soft white are 2700K and 3100K. This color range is most compatible to an incandescent hue. This CCT enhances warmer colors (red, yellow, orange) found in your home.

The most popular CCTs for "daylight," "natural light," or "sunlight" are 3500K, 4100K, 5000K, and 6500K. This color range is most compatible to natural sunlight or day light. This CCT enhances cooler colors (blue, green, violet) in your home.

Common Applications for CFLs

ENERGY STAR CFLs come in all shapes and sizes. Specific CFLs fit specific lamps or fixtures available on the market. Retailers now offer three-way, dimmable, recessed cans, flood, and candelabra-based CFLs.

Use ENERGY STAR CFLs, compliant with ENERGY STAR light fixtures, and improve the efficiency of non-ENERGY STAR fixtures. The ENERGY STAR qualified GU24 pin-based CFL fits more than 15,000 ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures. Pin based fixtures use dedicated pin-based CFLs like the GU24 instead of screw-in CFLs. ENERGY STAR CFLs are ideal for those hard to reach fixtures such as ceiling fans, other ceiling fixtures, and enclosed outdoor fixtures because they last longer than non-ENERGY STAR CFLs. Enjoy the convenience of buying and changing bulbs less frequently and saving money on your energy bills too.

Read the CFL Guide for more information on how to select the right ENERGY STAR CFL.

CFL Myths

CFLs, first introduced in the 1990s, perform inadequately and not as advertised. Improvements in CFL technology and testing procedures have resulted in ENERGY STAR CFLs that operate as advertised. Due to the initial bad publicity, CFL myths still exist today. CFLs no longer flicker, hum, or buzz. Retail stores now carry a variety of CFLs, all guaranteed to work with most lamps.

Consumers must handle CFLs more carefully than incandescent bulbs. Incorrect installation or improper use can lead to early product failure. For ENERGY STAR CFL products to last as advertised (up to 10,000 hours) avoid the following causes for product failure:

• Improper Installation
  Be sure to screw in the CFL by its base (ballast) and not by the glass. Screwing the CFL in by the glass causes early product failure because the glass disconnects from the electronic ballast. This is the common cause of CFLs burning out or failing.
• Incorrect Applications
  Be sure you use ENERGY STAR CFLs in the correct applications listed on the packaging. Incorrect use, such as using a CFL on a dimmer or three-way switch, commonly causes early product failure for ENERGY STAR CFLs.
• Rapid Use
  How many times you turn on and off a light affects the bulb's operating life. The more often you switch on and off a light, the lower their operating life. Achieve the maximum lifetime of 10,000 hours for your CFLs by installing them in fixtures used at least 15 minutes at a time or several hours per day. The family and living rooms, kitchen, dining room, bedrooms, and outdoors usually serve as the best fixtures for ENERGY STAR CFLs.
• Cold Temperatures
  Use an ENERGY STAR CFL that is designed for outdoor use (check the packaging) and keep it in an enclosed fixture. Not all CFLs are designed for outdoor temperatures. If you don't use an outdoor bulb for your outdoor fixtures, it will most likely lead to early failure of the CFL.