CFL Lighting

As we are in an era, in which concerns like pollution, global warming and energy crisis are becoming ominous by day, it’s of utmost importance that we do our bit to conserve every iota of energy that we can. Yes, it does seem that humanity has finally woken up to the threat.
Many people have given up those flashy gas guzzling cars and have instead shifted their allegiance to smaller energy saving vehicles, have started installing water harvesting facilities in their homes and are encouraging kids to join local tree planting communities.

Similarly in the case of home lighting, our desires have
bowed to the demands of the environment.

No longer are we satisfied to have fancy fixtures to illuminate our abodes. The lights that we install should conserve energy as well.

Answering the call for efficient utilization of energy are CFL bulbs. CFL or Compact Fluorescent Lamps are miniature versions of full-size fluorescent lights. These bulbs utilize an arc discharge through a phosphor-lined tube. A CFL is basically made up of a lamp, lamp holder, and ballast. It is the ballast that provides the lamp with the electrical control to strike and maintain the necessary arc. CFL bulbs are so energy efficient because unlike incandescent bulbs, they spend more energy producing light instead wasting it on generating heat. This is the reason why the surface of CFL bulbs is cooler than incandescent bulbs, and this is the reason why a low watt CFL bulb will illuminate a room with equal brightness a high watt incandescent bulb.

The CFL bulbs of today have undergone a world of change and are bear no similarity to those unpleasant loudly buzzing sterile tubes that were used in hospitals during the eighties. CFL bulbs are now available in variety attractive colors and styles. Moreover, they can now be screwed in stylish ceiling fixtures, chandeliers and light fixtures that are specifically made for CFL bulbs. Conserving energy with style and panache is the mantra of CFL bulbs.
CFL lights are widely available. In order to choose an appropriate CFL lamp, first determine if the bulb can be lighted for period of fifteen minutes or more. Then, ask the seller about the nature of the CFL light fixture. There are various types of light fixtures like recessed, dimmer, pin, or the normal screw-base type fixture. One requires no additional tools for installing CFL bulbs.

It an accepted fact, that CFL bulbs are four times more efficient than incandescent bulbs. This means that they use fifty to eighty percent less energy and also last a lot longer than incandescent bulb. In order to optimize the value and life of CFL bulbs it’s important to keep them on for extended periods of time. These bulbs shouldn’t be frequently switched on and off, as doing so will shorten their life. Moreover, as CFL lights contain small portions of mercury, which is a toxic substance it’s never wise dispose them with regular garbage. They should be disposed off in a qualified disposal facility. These disposable facilities can be located, through local and regional waste management resources. Now that you know, all important details regarding CFL lights please take the initiative and replace your regular incandescent bulbs with CFL lights.