Q: What is all the fuss about compact fluorescent bulbs?

A: Our world is becoming increasingly environmentally conscious – thankfully – and fluorescent lighting can help reduce energy consumption. Lighting accounts for 5–10% of a household’s total energy consumption. CFL's consume up to 75% less power and last up to ten times longer than conventional incandescent bulbs.

Did you know…

• CFL’s HAVE LONGER LIFE -A conventional incandescent bulb lasts about 1000 hours. Halogen bulbs last about 2000 hours. Compact fluorescents last from 6000 to 10000 hours.
• CFL’s HAVE BETTER EFFICIENCY – It is the amount of heat that is generated to produce the light that actually consumes the majority of the expended energy.
• Incandescent bulbs are extremely inefficient; the heat loss accounts for 70-90% of the electricity consumed.
• Halogens are a better choice but still consume up to four times more power than compact fluorescents.
• CFL’s consume 67-75% less electricity than conventional incandescent bulbs.

Q: Why should I use these in my home?

A: You can save money on your residential electricity bill. Did you know that…

Leaving a 100-watt bulb on for no reason for 24 hours a day would cost you an extra $60 a year. Imagine millions of bulbs lit unnecessarily...

Assuming that the bulb is on three hours a day, each 100-watt incandescent bulb that you replace with a 25-watt compact fluorescent allows you to reduce your annual electrical bill by:

• $3.79 for an indoor bulb
• $5.93 for an outdoor bulb.

Even better, if an average home has forty bulbs, and you replace them with CFL’s, you will save over $160.00 annually!

Q: I’ve tried CFL’s but the light was inconsistent in colour and felt institutional and cold.  Why?

A: Like most everything nowadays, there are many different brands, quality levels, and types of CFL’s. Read the package! It tells you a lot of important information about the product you are buying and the quality of light you will receive from it.

• Look for a colour-rendering index (CRI) of 80 - which is suitable for residential and better commercial applications.
• Also, look for a colour temperature of 2700K to 3000K, which is warm and similar to incandescent.
• For example an 830 lamp (bulb) has a CRI of 80-89 and a colour temperature of 3000K. This lighting will provide you with better facial tones and a healthier overall look.

Come and see us – we have a selection of quality compact fluorescent bulbs in stock! Our 2500 sq. ft. showroom, allows us to showcase Lighting, Lamps, Ceiling Fans, Home Décor, & Bulbs for every taste and budget. Our lighting and design consultants will provide you with both choice and guidance in all of your selections. Let us inspire you and your space.