Tips for Purchasing Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Right Light
Choosing a CFL light based on what you are used to looking for on the package
Because for decades incandescent bulbs have been our only choice, we’re accustomed to buying bulbs based on “wattage,”
which is actually a measure of power, not light.
When replacing an incandescent light bulb, select a CFL with at least the same Lumens
Incandescent Bulb Wattage
Amount of Light/Lumens
Approx. CFL Bulb Wattage Listed
on the Package
(Divide Incandescent Wattage by 4)
15 Watt
160
4 Watt
60 Watt
890
~15 Watt
75 Watt
1220
~19 Watt
100 Watt
1650
~25 Watt
150 Watt
2850
~37 Watt
An easy formula to keep in mind is to remember two words: Watt four? If you have a 60-watt incandescent bulb (with a
brightness of 890 lumens), divide 60 by 4. The result will be about what you need. In this example, you would select a 15-watt
compact fluorescent bulb (60 ÷ 4 = 15). But remember, lumens are your best guide.
Type of light: In general, most people prefer the “Soft White” or “Warm White” lights for home use, rather than the “Bright
White”, Cool Light or “Daylight”
Right size
Fortunately, the vast majority of compact fluorescent bulbs will fit an existing fixture. Screw one in, and forget it for about seven
years! But because many CFLs have a broader base than conventional bulbs, you’ll want to make sure the ones you select fit
your fixtures. When in doubt, take a sample home and make sure it fits (and that you like its shape and color). Then you’ll be
ready to buy more.
Right shape
You may have noticed that a CFL, at its heart, is a small fluorescent tube, the junior partner of the overhead fluorescent tubes at
your workplace. Some CFL tubes arch, others twist. That’s not an issue under a lampshade or non-clear glass, but if the bulb is
exposed, you many want to pick one that has a rounded shape. You will also want rounded shapes if you are using a shade that
has the wire rings that clasp around the light bulb. Also check how long your existing light bulb is or, in the case of hanging lights
or sconces, how long the glass shade is. For esthetic reasons, you don’t want the CFL hanging below the rim of the shade. You
can also get CFLs in a floodlight shape and they work pretty well for recessed lights.
Right color
Do you want a golden-hued light, a bright sunlight look or a cool blue? If most of the color comes from your lampshade, any CFL
can fit the bill. If not, CFLs now come in a variety of subtle shades of light. Check out a lighted CFL display at a retail store for
comparison and, as mentioned earlier, take a sample home to make sure you have the right colored light for the environment.
Note: Outdoor CFLs can be found in “bug-repellant yellow” color
Indoor or outdoor, and other special uses
There are only a few situations where use of a compact fluorescent isn’t a good idea. For example, if you’re running an arc
welder in your garage that causes power surges in your home, that can be hard on CFLs. Consult an expert at your local lighting
dealer if you have any unusual electric power situations at your home.




If the bulb will be used in an enclosed or recessed fixture, it should be labeled for that purpose, due to the heat buildup
inside the fixture.
If you use a dimmer or photocell (light-activated) switch, the bulb should be labeled for that purpose.
Make sure that CFLs purchased for outside lighting are clearly labeled “outdoor use.” Those bulbs are designed for
extremes of temperatures from summer through winter.
If the bulb will be directly exposed to moisture make sure it is “Wet Location” listed.
Page 1
Buy the Certified Bulb
Check for the Energy Star label, your assurance of energy efficiency. And remember to make sure you’re buying a compact
fluorescent — not all light bulbs labeled “energy efficient” are CFLs.
Brands Reviewers Have Liked
If you want to read what reviewers have said about a wide variety of CFL lights, see:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/10/garden/10lighting.html?pagewanted=all
http://www.grist.org/advice/products/2007/12/14/
Examples of Conclusions:
“Although most of the compact fluorescents were deemed unacceptable by the panel, there were several that were found to be
not only acceptable but attractive. The n:vision TCP Home Soft White, for example, was deemed “a warm pleasant light.” The
TCP Spring Light/Soft White was “almost warmer than incandescent,” one person said. And the MaxLite SpiraMax was generally
liked, considered “pretty good” and “clean.”
“The bottom line: Based on a combination of price, warranty, quality of light, and random fancy, my top pick is the Philips softwhite -- and an important tip, whatever the brand, is to choose soft white over daylight or bright white.”
All compact fluorescents contain trace amounts of mercury— but don't worry!
First, CF bulbs contain far less mercury than in other items in the house: CF bulbs (4 mg), thermometers (500 mg), older
thermostats (3,000 mg). Plus, using CF bulbs actually prevents more mercury from being released into the air by power plants. A
power plant emits about 10 mg of mercury to produce the electricity needed to run an incandescent bulb, compared to only 2.4
mg of mercury to run a CF bulb for the same amount of time.
Should a bulb break, take these simple precautions. First, open nearby windows to disperse any vapor that may escape.
Sweep up the fragments (do not use your hands) and wipe the area with a disposable paper towel to pick up all glass fragments.
Do not use a vacuum. Place all fragments in a sealed plastic bag and follow the disposal instructions below.
How to Dispose of CFLs
All CFL bulbs contain a small amount of mercury and should be disposed of properly. In most communities, you can do so at
centers set up to recycle or safely store household hazardous wastes such as paints, solvents, batteries and automotive oil.
Store used fluorescent bulbs in a safe place until it is time to take household hazardous waste to a designated disposal center.
Recycling burned-out CFs is the best option. To find out if there are recycling options near you, call 1-800-CLEAN-UP for an
automated hotline or visit earth911.org. (At the top of the earth911.org home page, enter your zip code and press "go." Click on
the "Household" link, then the "fluorescent bulbs" link. This page will identify the nearest mercury recycling or disposal facilities
near you. Or contact your local government agency in charge of household hazard waste (start with your sanitation department)
to see if recycling is an option in your area.
Where to Buy CFLs and What to Buy
It is not always easy to find a good selection of CFLs at your local hardware, Home Depot, etc.
Sometimes you get lucky as I did when I found dimmable floodlight shaped bulbs at an Ace Hardware store just by chance. We
use these in our kitchen’s recessed lights, though we wish they were shorter. Here are some bulbs and sources that have
worked well for us:
On-Line Sources
EarthEasy.com: http://www.eartheasy.com/live_energyeff_lighting.htm#4c
Buy on-line: http://www.eartheasy.com/shop/lighting_cfl.html
http://www.1000bulbs.com/Screw-In-Compact-Fluorescents/
http://www.bulbamerica.com
Dimmable CFLs: Here is a great list of dimmable CFLs
http://www.environmentaldefense.org/page.cfm?tagID=633&fixture=0&shape=0&feature1=1&brightness=0&color=0
Find the available CFL that is just right to fit your needs – really helps you find the right bulb!
http://www.edf.org/page.cfm?tagid=632
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4