What Are CFL Bulbs? Everything You Need to Know

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are energy-efficient alternatives to traditional incandescent bulbs. These smaller versions of fluorescent tube lighting offer the benefits of energy savings and longer lifespans compared to incandescents.

What Is a CFL Bulb?

A CFL is a compact version of a fluorescent tube light. It’s designed to fit in standard light sockets, often in a spiral or U-bend shape. CFLs use a gas and a small amount of mercury to produce ultraviolet (UV) light, which is then converted to visible light by a special coating inside the bulb. Unlike traditional fluorescent lights, CFLs have the ballast (which controls the electricity flow) inside the base of the bulb.

Types of CFL Bulbs

• Integrated Ballast: The ballast is part of the bulb, making it more compact.
• Non-Integrated Ballast: Lighter and cheaper, but requires a separate ballast in the fixture.
• Dimmable and Non-Dimmable: Some CFLs can be dimmed, but the results can be unsatisfactory without the right circuitry.
• Base Types: CFLs come in screw, pin, twist-and-lock, or push-in bases.

CFL vs. LED Bulbs

Both CFLs and LEDs are more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs. However, LEDs offer longer lifespans (25,000 hours compared to CFLs’ 6,000 to 15,000 hours) and are more durable, with no mercury inside. Though LED prices have fallen, they are still generally more expensive than CFLs.

CFL vs. Incandescent Bulbs

Incandescent bulbs use a filament that heats up to produce light, but most of the energy is wasted as heat—about 90%. CFLs are much more efficient, producing more light per watt, and last significantly longer (6,000–15,000 hours compared to 1,000 hours for incandescent bulbs).

Are CFL Bulbs Being Discontinued?

Due to upcoming changes in energy efficiency standards, CFLs are expected to be phased out in favor of LEDs. Current standards require bulbs to produce at least 45 lumens per watt, while the new standard will raise this to 100 lumens per watt, which CFLs can’t meet. However, certain applications may still rely on fluorescent and incandescent bulbs, such as oven lights.

Hazards of CFL Bulbs

The primary hazard associated with CFLs is the small amount of mercury inside the bulb. If a CFL breaks, the mercury can be harmful, so it’s important to handle CFLs carefully and dispose of them properly.

How To Dispose of Old CFL Bulbs

Never throw CFLs in the trash. Instead, take them to a recycling facility where they can be safely processed. Many home improvement stores offer recycling programs, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends visiting Earth911 to find local recycling centers. Some states, such as California and Massachusetts, have banned CFLs from landfills.

What’s the Best Light Bulb for Your Home?

For efficiency, long life, and versatile light quality, LED bulbs are the best choice. They offer excellent light quality and are available in a variety of color temperatures to suit your preferences. CFLs are still a good option but are being replaced by LEDs as the most energy-efficient lighting solution.