View source for Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFL)

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A '''compact fluorescent lamp''' ('''CFL'''), also known as a '''compact p''' or '''[[energy]] saving light''' (or less commonly as a '''compact fluorescent tube (CFT)'''), is a type of [[fluorescent lamp]]. Many CFLs are designed to replace an [[Incandescent light bulb|incandescent lamp]] and can fit into most existing [[light fixture]]s formerly used for incandescents.

Compared to general service incandescent lamps giving the same [[luminous flux|amount of visible light]], CFLs use less power and have a longer rated life. 

In the United States, a CFL has a higher purchase price than an incandescent lamp, but can save over [[United States dollar|US$]]40 in [[electricity]] [[cost]]s over the lamp's lifetime.<ref>{{Cite web| title=Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs | publisher=Energy Star | accessdate=2010-09-30 | url=http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cfls.pr_cfls}}</ref> 

Like all fluorescent lamps, CFLs contain [[Mercury (element)|mercury]], which complicates their disposal.

CFLs radiate a different light spectrum from that of incandescent lamps. Improved [[phosphor]] formulations have improved the perceived color of the light emitted by CFLs such that some sources rate the best 'soft white' CFLs as subjectively similar in color to standard incandescent lamps.<ref>{{Cite news| title=The Best Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs: PM Lab Test | last=Masamitsu | first=Emily |date = May 2007| periodical=Popular Mechanics | accessdate=2007-05-15 | url=http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_journal/home_improvement/4215199.html}}</ref>

==120 watt light bulb to 32 watt CFL: 43/100==
Saves over 860 pounds of {{CO2}}, 172 gallons of {{H2O}}, 14,319,000/17 btus of energy, 7,955/1,122 pounds of {{aluminum}}, 25.8 pounds of [[air pollution]] per year, gain almost 559/5 pounds of {{Oxygen}} per year

==100 watt light bulb to 23 watt CFL: 19/50==

==75 watt light bulb to 19 watt CFL: 27/100==

==60 watt light bulb to 14 watt CFL: 11/50==

==40 watt light bulb to 9 watt CFL: 3/20==

==15 watt light bulb to 3 watt CFL: 1/20==
[[Category:Energy conservation]]
[[Category:Air Pollution]]
[[Category:Water conservation]]
[[Category:Fly ash conservation]]
[[Category:Light Pollution]]
[[Category:Propane conservation]]