67. Energy Efficient Lighting Through Compact Fluorescent Lamps

A Compact Fluorescent light bulb (Lamp) is just as it sounds – a small-diameter fluorescent lamp, folded for compactness. A round adapter allows it to fit into common electrical sockets, making it an ideal replacement for incandescent bulbs. Compact Fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) use at least 80% less electricity than the traditional incandescent while lasting ten to twelve times as long and can therefore deliver substantial savings in terms of both electricity and money. Their long life means they need replacing less often and so are particularly suitable for use in inaccessible fixtures or for elderly or disabled people. Integral ballast CFLs, with a screw or bayonet base, currently represent the best opportunity to achieve significant electricity savings in residential lighting since they are incorporate most energy-efficient technology suitable for use in fixtures already used in homes. Pin-based CFLs are also available. These have a separate ballast either in a screw or bayonet based adapter (modular system) or incorporated into the fixture (dedicated system).