Energy-efficient compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) are now available in a wide variety of styles to fit your needs.

Take the time to read the CFL package carefully and make a wise selection. Following are some considerations:

• The typical spiral CFL may not fit all wall sconces. A better bulb for this application may be a tube-shaped CFL or a candle CFL.
• In a fixture where you can see the bulb, such as a bathroom vanity bar or a pendant fixture, a globe-shaped CFL is ideal.
• For use in a ceiling fan check the size of the CFL and select a spiral, A-shaped, candle, or indoor reflector CFL. Make sure the CFL is compatible with this use.
• Perhaps you have a lamp with a lamp shade that clips on the lightbulb. In this instance an A-shaped CFL would work well.
• For a three-way lamp you will need a special three-way CFL.
• Lamps or fixtures with dimmer switches require dimmable CFLs.
• If you have track lighting or recessed can fixtures, select indoor reflector CFLs, which provide directional light.
• For outdoor lighting use a CFL rated for outdoor use—and you may want to purchase a yellow bug-repellant CFL.
• For outside flood lighting use outdoor reflector CFLs. However, if you have a motion sensor, timer, or photocell on your outdoor fixture check the manufacturer of the control and the packaging of the CFL for compatibility.

To avoid shortening the life of your CFLs use them in fixtures that you leave on for at least 15 minutes at a time and don't place bare spiral CFLs in open outdoor fixtures.

For further information go to the ENERGY STAR® website: www.energystar.gov

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