Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs - Save money and energy by replacing your standard bulbs with CF light bulbs

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs and Lamps have brought a revolution in the energy saving lighting. They are a good substitute for standard Incandescent bulbs. Also known as screw-in Compact fluorescent bulbs, they are just alike except that they screw into a standard bulb socket while fluorescent bulbs get plugged into lighting fixtures.

Compact Fluorescent bulbs are mainly made up of two parts. Those are a gas filled fluorescent tube and a ballast that can be either electronic or magnetic. The Compact Fluorescent bulb has a phosphor coating inside it. When electric current gets passed through the gas filled ballast, ultraviolet light gets generated. This ultraviolet light excites the phosphor resulting in the light that we see.

Compact fluorescent bulbs come in various styles and shapes. They usually have one or two thin tubes bent into a U shape model. These tubes are uncovered in some models and in others they are covered in a plastic cylinder. The latter appears prettier and more attractive than the former.

Fluorescent Light Bulb vs. Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb

The Fluorescent Light bulb and Compact Fluorescent light bulb are much alike except the size difference. CFLs are miniature versions of Fluorescent bulbs. They have a compact design and that allows them to get fitted in most household lighting fixtures. They are a good replacement for standard incandescent bulbs. Mostly, CFLs have a ballast that is attached to the light bulb while Fluorescent bulbs have a ballast independent of the bulb.

Advantages of Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb

Compact Fluorescent bulbs have a longer rated life and they consume less electricity than traditional Incandescent bulbs. Compact Fluorescent bulbs are energy saving bulbs that result in high saving of power and in turn, money.

They are more expensive than standard bulbs but since they save lots of energy, they can be less expensive in the long run. Also Standard Incandescent bulbs produce lots of heat that make them hot to touch and the place also appears warmer. CFL's are cooler than standard bulbs and do not waste heat.

Most Incandescent bulbs provide a yellowish energy that is often disliked by people. Compact Fluorescent Bulbs and Lamps provide a white light resulting in a soothing effect to the mind and body.

Limitations of Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs shall not be turned on and off frequently and that may shorten their life. They shall be used where lights have to be kept on for longer durations. As they have a longer rated life, they won't need to be replaced too often therefore they can be placed in hard to reach places.

Also, all the CFL's cannot be used with dimmer switches although they can be used with a timer or a three-way fixture. Some manufacturers, such as Philips, have recently introduced dimmable CFL bulbs to the market.

CFL's are best suited for indoor lighting. Compact Fluorescent Bulbs and lamps can be used in open areas, but should be covered or shaded from the elements.

Disposal of Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb

Disposal of a CFL bulb is always a consideration due to the fact that it contains a small amount of mercury,. Mercury is hazardous to human health and to every living being on the earth. Though mercury does not cause any damage while it is inside the housing of the bulb but if bulb has got damaged or broken up, the bulb should be properly recycled. Improper disposal may lead to environmental contamination.

Though EPA has not regulated the disposal of these kinds of bulbs as the amount of mercury is very low it is best to put them in local hazardous waste collection for proper recycling. They should never be sent into the incinerator.

 
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