Compact Fluorescent (CFL) Light Fixtures

As the gold standard for contemporary efficiency, it’s difficult to know what CFLs are best known for: their efficiency or their swirly shape. As part of the amazingly efficient fluorescent family, these are used mostly in residential applications, but surely can be used in any application that calls for a medium-base bulb.

According to the ENERGY Star web site, an ENERGY Star-qualified CFL bulb:

• Can save more than $40 in electricity costs over its lifetime.


• Uses about 75% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and lasts up to 10 times longer.


• Produces about 75% less heat, so it’s safer and can cut home cooling costs.