Green Source Organic

Tips for using your CFL bulb

Posted on 31. Aug, 2009 by admin in Uncategorized

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are a great breakthrough in efficiency for home and business lighting. These lamps can replace standard incandescent bulbs in many applications and can allow for savings of about 75% on lighting costs.

In the last few years, because of improvements in the Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR® specification, there has been considerable improvement in CFLs. They have longer life and better color, and are available in a wide variety of color temperatures, styles, wattages and base sizes, including CFLs for dimmer switches, recessed cans, vanity lights and chandeliers.

Seven ways to get the most from your CFL:

Buy ENERGY STAR CFLs.
Only CFLs that pass a battery of tests are awarded the ENERGY STAR® label.

Do not use standard CFLs in fixtures controlled by dimmers.
Unless your CFL specifically states that it is rated for use with a dimmer, it can burn out in days or weeks.Even if you leave the dimmer switch up all the way, it will still shorten the life of an ordinary CFL.

Look for bulbs that are specifically designed for use with dimmers.

Do not use standard CFLs in recessed cans and air-tight enclosed fixtures.
CFLs are more sensitive to heat than ordinary bulbs.Unless your CFL is specifically rated for use in air-tight enclosed fixtures and recessed cans, the heat build-up will harm the electronic ballast and can dramatically shorten its life.

Read the fine print.Only use CFLs that specifically state that they are for use in enclosed fixtures.

Buy reflector-type CFLs for use in recessed fixtures.

Avoid jostling and vibration.
CFLs in fixtures that are subject to regular or strong vibration will have a shorter life.

Avoid excessive on-off cycles.
A CFL usually has about 7,000 on-off cycles in it.It’s up to you how you use them.Repeated on-off cycles (more than 20 per day or in motion sensors) will shorten the life of your bulb.

Make sure your wiring is in good shape.
Wiring problems such as a loose neutral or inadequate grounding can cause low voltage or voltage fluctuations which can shorten the lives of CFLs.

Do not use CFLs in fixtures exposed to damp or wet conditions unless they are rated for that application.
Most CFLs can be installed in outdoor fixtures if they are in a properly enclosed fixture, well protected from rain, snow and moisture. Otherwise, look for bulbs rated for damp or wet locations.