CFL Buying Guide

It's not uncommon for consumers to become confused when first purchasing CFLs. You can find a CFL replacement for most incandescents, but it may not be obvious. In order to simplify the process, here are some tips and recommendations to get started.

Where TO BUY?

For basic bulbs, my recommendation is GE bulbs from Wal-Mart. In store you can find standard 40, 60, 75 and 100w replacements for $2.50 per bulb in packs of 3. There are also various speciality bulbs from other brands. For 150w, 3-way or flood light replacements you can order online at walmart.com, and pickup in the store. Prices are very good, and it's easy to handle.

For more variety, go the CFL Section of 1000bulbs.com. Prices are good, variety is extensive and the site is well organized. Replacements up to 500w are available. Flood/Reflector lights are available in numerous sizes. Dimmable are available, also in different sizes and wattages. 3-way replacements are available.

An honorable mention goes to GreenLights because I respect their strategy. It's an easy site to navigate and decent prices, though not as good as 1000bulbs.com. Mostly I appreciate that they are trying to simplify things as well.

What to buy

To get the same light as you do today, buy a "warm-white" bulb. These may also be referred to as soft-white or 2700K. Replace based upon the "equivalent wattage", which is always listed. You shouldn't need to inspect lumens, but if you want to be precise you can. The chart below is a good reference (from EnergyStar).

If you're more adventurous you can try a "full-spectrum" or 5100K bulb. You might like them better, or you might not. They will be different then the bulbs you use today. It's up to you to decide what your preference is. I plan to try one soon but haven't yet.

As far as brands go, I'm currently comfortable with GE, Sylvania and N:Vision. I only have about 15 bulbs in my entire apartment so I haven't had the chance to test many brands.

How to Buy

Start with reading lamps. These lights are on for long periods (when used) and are easy to get to (no ladders). Also they generally use standard size bulbs which a CFL spiral replaces easily. Go to Wal-Mart and buy a 3-pack of 60w replacements and 100w replacements.

Try spirals wherever they fit. Spirals are cheapest and easiest to pickup at a local store, so take your first set and test where they work. Find out which fixtures don't fit.

Identify dimmable's. Do not replace these with standard spirals. My advice is to replace them last, once you're comfortable with a brand.

Replace flood/reflectors second. These bulbs are more expensive (as incandescent or CFL) and less accessible. Most likely is you have one you 30 of them too, and the "can" may not accommodate all varieties of bulb. I'd recommend trying a spiral first, just to see how it works. Some cans are deep enough that the effect with a CFL may be identical to a flood.

If a spiral doesn't work, buy a single flood and insure it fits. Flood's depth and width is specified by their type (R30, etc), but the bases are different, so be careful you don't buy 30 bulbs that won't fit. Try one first.

Save and Enjoy

Sounds like a hassle? Here's some good points:

1. Longer life - You won't need to bring the ladder out a third as often.
2. Lower electric bill - A spiral will repay it's cost within 1 to 4 months, depending on frequency of use and wattage.
3. Sense of accomplishment - It will feel good to know you did something good for your pocketbook and good for the environment.

HELP OTHERS UNDERSTAND

If you like CFLs, maybe you'd like to help spread the word.  Sign the light bulb labeling petition, so that everyone knows how much money they can save while helping the environment.