Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL's)

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Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL's)

 

Many people have preconceived ideas of incandescent lamps that spring from personal memories or advertising campaigns. Companies during the 1960s and 1970s labeled their lamps "cool white", which stuck for a while.  Then the compact fluorescent lamp (CF) came on the scene; they may look odd but they have marvelous energy efficiency and many benefits over traditional light bulbs. For starters, a CF lamp lasts ten times as long as a standard bulb. Almost any store, like Walmart, carries these lamps at a cost of around $3.00 per piece, though they are considered ‘premium’ pieces and can cost four times as much in certain stores. 

Other factors to consider are light output and energy efficiency. It’s a misconception that light output is measured in watts; the correct unit is lumens. The bulb wattage refers to how much electrical power is needed for its operation. A typical 75W light bulb generates about 1,200 lumens of light but a 20W CF lamp uses 25% of the energy to generate the same light intensity. This converts into real cost savings of $55 over the life span of a single CF lamp (assuming a cost of 10 cents per kWh), without even counting the savings on air-conditioning and the impact on environmental pollution.

Lastly, there are no headaches with CF lamps: advanced phosphor coatings and enhanced electronic ballasting have eliminated frightening colors and annoying flickers that could make you look like on of the Addams Family in the morning. 

 

The lighting industry provides a Color Rendering Index (CRI) (though it’s difficult to locate) that basically states that a CRI light rating closer to 100 refers to m ore comfort on the eyes as well as being more natural. The common incandescent lamp usually carries a 90-95 CRI rating while the CF-lamp carries an 82 rating. This is not as bad as the fluorescent bulb which carries a 51 rating. Purchase a few CF bulbs and see for yourself if you are doubtful of the figures.  It is quite difficult to distinguish differences in color or operation.