The New CFL: Cheaper, Prettier, Smarter

It's safe to admit: early versions of efficient light bulbs were a bit of a turnoff.  So that's what most people did.  The light quality was cold and harsh and the swirly bulbs stuck out of every fixture invented.  Then there was the little delay after you turned them on. 

Well, times have changed and compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) have gotten a lot cheaper, smarter and prettier.  Gone are the flickering, buzzing tubes and in their place, slimmer tubes that fit standard light fixtures.  CFLs are now available in many shapes, sizes and wattages.  So if you swore off the early models, here are some typical complaints, countered by reasons why you should give them a second look.

"They are too long and don't fit my lampshades."   New designs are smaller, led by Sylvania's dandy micro mini  twist, which is just 3.7 inches long and fits into any fixture that accommodates an incandescent bulb.

"I hate that swirly shape."  Some new designs look just like an incandescent bulb.  GE is working on a version that has the same look and size as those old-fashioned incandescents, which by the way, will be banned in Canada by 2012. 

"The quality of the light is harsh and glaring."   How often have you bought the bulb, then gasped when you installed it?  Daylight models of CFLs can clash with the soft, warm glow of an incandescent.  Most hardware stores have a display where you can actually compare light quality of different types of CFLs and match the light equivalency to the incandescent bulb you're replacing.  Rule of thumb:  choose a warm or soft white light for your home and a cooler colour for task lighting.  Or check out ENERGY STAR®'s website where you can sample different fixtures and color temperatures while night-time insects sing in the background.

"They can't withstand cold temperatures."  In very cold weather, CFL bulbs may take time to reach full brightness.  Look for packages to see if the bulb is suitable for outdoor use (some can withstand temperatures as low as -30^oC) and protect them from the elements.  If you use them outdoors with a motion detector, you may shorten the life of your CFL bulb.

"CFLs don't work with dimmable switches."  Dimmable CFLs are now available.  Floodlight bulbs are now manufactured for recessed fixtures, which often use dimmer switches.

"They don't fit in my..."  Just about every fixture can now handle efficient bulbs: chandeliers, spherical globes used in bathroom vanities, sconce or valance lighting, ceiling fans, security lighting, recessed fixtures (though make sure you use a reflector CFL rather than a spiral model).

"The light doesn't come on immediately."  New generation ENERGY STAR CFLs have instant-on technology. 

"Can they fit my three-way table lamp?"  Philips has introduced a three-way CFL that turns on instantly and has three distinct bands of light.

"They cost too much."  CFLs have a higher initial cost (although the price keeps dropping), but remember you save money in the long run because they use a third of the power and last up to 10 times as long as incandescents. 

There are still some limitations to keep in mind:

The mercury issue.   While Walmart is committed to designing a mercury-free bulb, and Philips has developed Alto low-mercury technology, there is still an average 5 mg of mercury in CFLs (about a fifth of the amount in an average watch battery).  When the bulb burns out, take it to your local recycling centre or recycle it in bins at IKEA or Home Depot.

When installing a compact fluorescent, hold the base - not the glass -- to screw in the bulb.

And if you're using an older-model halogen floor lamp (known as a torchiere), think about replacing the lamp with more a more efficient CFL model.  The halogen lamps use 350 - 500 watt bulbs and become very hot.  In the United States, these lamps have caused over 350 fires and 32 deaths and are banned in many college residences.  Efficient torchieres will save you money and reduce the risk of fire.