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Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) are almost a necessity for obtaining an ENERGY STAR certification and rightfully so seeing that lighting accounts for close to 25% of the average home’s electric bill. CFLs have come a long way since they were first introduced into the market in the mid 1980’s. They are now smaller, take less time to achieve full brightness, cost less and are even more energy efficient. Not to mention that dimmable CFLs are also available. In an ENERGY STAR Certified PHG built home 80% or more of your lighting will receive a CFL.

Using CFLs not only saves you money because they use less energy; you also save money because they last nearly 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb. According to ENERGYSTAR.gov an ENERGY STAR qualified CFL will save about $30.00 in electricity over its lifetime. There is a great advantage when using CFLs in homes with elevated ceilings or just hard to reach areas where bulbs would have to be replaced, because CFLs have a much longer lifecycle you won’t have to change the bulb as often. Also an ENERGY STAR CFL is backed by a 2yr manufacturer warranty from the purchase date of the lamp.

The last positive impact of CFLs that I have for you (but certainly not the least) is the heat factor involved. CFLs use about 75% less energy and produce nearly 75% less heat when in comparison to an incandescent bulb. A standard vanity light consists of four bulbs that are about three feet from you. I am not sure anyone would disagree that 75% less heat from those bulbs would be a Positive Impact.

The chart below shows us that a 13 watt CFL not only puts out the same amount of light but lasts longer and saves money throughout its lifecycle.

What’s the Difference?
Type of Bulb	Incandescent	Fluorescent
Power Used (Watts)	60	13
Light Output (Lumens)	800	800
Lifetime (Hours)	750-1,000	6,000-15,000
Lifecycle Cost*	$40	$10
Based on a 6,000-hour CFL, a 1,000-hour incandescent, use of 3 hrs/day, 11.09 cents/kWh electric rate, $3.00 CFL, and $0.50 incandescent.