Where to use:

• To get the most energy savings, replace bulbs where lights are on the most, such as your family and living room, kitchen, dining room, and porch
• Remember, CFLs work better in open fixtures that allow air flow

How to choose:

• Matching the right type of CFL to the right kind of fixture helps ensure that it will perform properly and last a long time. Read the packaging to be sure that the type you choose works for the fixture you have in mind. For example:
  • For recessed fixtures, it is better to use a 'reflector' CFL instead of a standard type
  • If a light fixture is connected to a dimmer or three-way switch, select CFLs that are labeled as appropriate for a dimmer or three-way switch
  • To get the right amount of light, choose an Energy Star qualified light bulb that offers the same light output, or lumen rating, as the light you are replacing. The higher the lumen rating, the greater the light output
  • Choose the color that works best for you. For example, while most CFLs are created with warm colors for most rooms in your home, you might choose a cooler color for task lighting

Energy Star qualified light fixtures:

• Come in hundreds of decorative styles including portable fixtures — such as table, desk and floor lamps — and hard-wired options such as front porch, dining room, kitchen ceiling and undercabinet, hallway ceiling and wall, bathroom vanity fixtures, and much more
• Deliver convenient features such as dimming on some indoor models and automatic daylight shut-off and motion sensors on outdoor models
• Save money on energy bills and bulb replacements
• Generate 70 percent less heat than standard incandescent lighting

Energy Star qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs):

• Save an average of $30 or more in energy costs over each bulb’s lifetime
• Are available in different sizes and shapes to fit in almost any fixture, for indoors and outdoors
• Are convenient in hard-to-reach and high-use fixtures because they last longer
• Prevent more than 450 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions each over their lifetime

Where to use CFLs:

• To get the most energy savings, replace bulbs where lights are on the most, such as your family and living room, kitchen, dining room, and porch.
• Some CFLs have trouble operating in enclosed fixtures. Check the CFL’s packaging for any restrictions on use.

How to choose the right light:

• Matching the right type of CFL to the right kind of fixture helps ensure that it will perform properly and last a long time. Read the packaging to be sure that the type you choose works for the fixture you have in mind. For example:
  • If a light fixture is connected to a dimmer or three-way switch, select CFLs that are labeled for this use
  • For recessed fixtures, it is better to use a `reflector´ CFL instead of a standard type
• Choose the color that works best for you. For example, while most CFLs are created with warm colors for most rooms in your home, you might choose a cooler color for task lighting.

To get the Energy Star qualified light bulb or fixture with the right amount of light, choose one that offers the same lumen rating as the light you are replacing. The higher the lumen rating, the greater the light output.