Demystifying the CFL.
Posted by Paige
I was recently asked to speak at a church group regarding energy efficient lighting and thought that it would be a great topic to start the Blog. Over the next several Blogs we will discuss energy efficient lighting and the options that are available.
Myth #1 CLF lighting is a very unnatural, unflattering lighting.
I hear this all the time! CFLs are available in multiple colors and wattage’s and each is unique and can be used in different situations. Lighting is very subjective and personal. CFLs come in Soft (warm) and Full Spectrum (white). Many people categorically don’t like CFLs because of the "Blue" glow of the bulb. This is only the case with Full Spectrum CFLs. The second color option is Soft which is a warmer, yellower light. The Soft color is meant to mimic more of the incandescent lighting we are accustomed to. CFLs come in a range of wattage’s as well. From 11 watts, which is equivalent to a 45 watt incandescent, up to 25 watts, which is equivalent to a 100 watt incandescent light bulb. People are surprised all the time that an 11 watt Soft CFL gives off a completely different light than a 20 watt Soft CFL and certainly a different light than an 11 watt Full Spectrum bulb.
It is definitely not a one bulb fits all with CFLs. Your need and your lighting preferences will determine which CFL type and wattage is right for you. For example, in the bathroom, I prefer bright lighting, so I use a 20 or 25 watt Full Spectrum bulb. But in the kitchen I like a warmer look and use Soft bulbs. If you haven’t experimented with different colors and wattage’s in CFL bulbs, you really should try different ones to find the bulb you prefer best.
I hear this all the time! CFLs are available in multiple colors and wattage’s and each is unique and can be used in different situations. Lighting is very subjective and personal. CFLs come in Soft (warm) and Full Spectrum (white). Many people categorically don’t like CFLs because of the "Blue" glow of the bulb. This is only the case with Full Spectrum CFLs. The second color option is Soft which is a warmer, yellower light. The Soft color is meant to mimic more of the incandescent lighting we are accustomed to. CFLs come in a range of wattage’s as well. From 11 watts, which is equivalent to a 45 watt incandescent, up to 25 watts, which is equivalent to a 100 watt incandescent light bulb. People are surprised all the time that an 11 watt Soft CFL gives off a completely different light than a 20 watt Soft CFL and certainly a different light than an 11 watt Full Spectrum bulb.
It is definitely not a one bulb fits all with CFLs. Your need and your lighting preferences will determine which CFL type and wattage is right for you. For example, in the bathroom, I prefer bright lighting, so I use a 20 or 25 watt Full Spectrum bulb. But in the kitchen I like a warmer look and use Soft bulbs. If you haven’t experimented with different colors and wattage’s in CFL bulbs, you really should try different ones to find the bulb you prefer best.
Hi Paige
I have recently started using the CFL bulbes and have noticed a low buzzing sound. Is this from the light bulb or something else?
Thanks ofr all the info. I had no idea there were options.
I have replaced all dying bulbs with CFL’s .
What is the best way(hopefully in 5 years) to discard the CFL bulbs?
BF M-
they offer CFL bulb recycling at the mcintyre recycling center now. (http://www.charlottesville.org/Index.aspx?page=2258)
now i have a question: is it better to remove all of my functioning, traditional bulbs immediately and replace them with CFLs? it seems like you solve one problem (energy efficiency) while creating another (creating trash that is still functioning perfectly well). i know it is a trade-off, but im not sure which is more “green.”
Do CFLs really last as long as promised, even when used in high traffic (on-again-off-again) fixtures? I’ve had 2 CFLs last for only 7 or 8 months, in 2 different high-traffic fixtures. Is this unusual or should this be expected?
Wednesday, March 5, 2008 10:48:00 PM EST
Glad to see this Blog! I have added your blog to my personal blog. A few additional things to note about CFLs as well:
CFLs are not meant for every fixture in the home. Customers should be aware of what it is best to put them. For example, CFLs should not be put in a closet and should only be placed in areas where they will remain on for longer than 15 minutes.
As for the humming issue, try replacing it with another type of CFL.
As the CFL market continues to grow, we will hopefully start seeing more and more recycling options in our localities. A good web to refer to to see if recycling exists is earth911.org.
For more information about CFLs, I encourage you to check out the Energy Star web site, at www.energystar.gov
Thursday, March 6, 2008 11:06:00 AM EST
Thanks for all of the responses. I appreciate those that are quicker than I am answering some of the questions posed! I will try and sum up my experience below. Please feel free to add your take as well.
As for ‘buzzing,’ CFLs shouldn’t buzz. I agree with the comment that purhaps a different bulb should be tried. If this doesn’t work, it could be an issue with the actual fixture.
McIntire Recycling Center has begun recycling CFL bulbs! This is the easiest and most convenient way to dispose of your used bulbs. Ivy Creek also recycles them, but they only collect them twice a year.
The comment regarding what to do if you have working Incandescent Light bulbs, should you replace them with CFLs if they are still working. This is really the chicken and the egg question of going green. There is no perfect answer, but I can tell you what I’ve done. In places in my house where I use the lights significantly more, I have gone through and switched the bulbs over to CFLs. Places like my den, kitchen, bathroom, front porch, etc. But I have saved the old bulbs and I use them in places where I don’t use as frequently such as a closet or some place where the light is switched on and then off more frequently. That’s what I’ve done, I would love to hear other’s thoughts on this one!
The question about if CFLs really last as long as they promise I get often. Many customers come in saying that the bulbs they’ve bought else where haven’t lasted. This is due to quality. Like all things, CFLs vary across brands. At the Blue Ridge Eco Shop we are very picky with what companies we carry and what products we bring in. As part of our Eco-Shop concept, it was important to not only provide healthier products for you and the environment, but we wanted to work with companies that have great working ethics and quality as well. The brand we have chosen to carry is AeroTech. This bulb has the least amount of Mercury in it, which was extreemly important to us, and is of a higher quality. You won’t see this with some of the bulbs you can buy in bulk at big box stores. Just like everything, quality does vary.
The comment regarding not placing a CFL in a fixture, like a closet, that is switched on and off quickly is accuate. Constant switching can decrease the lifespan of the bulb.
Great comments!