A compact fluorescent light (CFL) is a bulb that uses 60% to 75% less energy to produce the same amount of light as a traditional incandescent bulb. CFLs also produce less heat, have a longer lifespan, and save you money in the long run.

CFLs are available in different sizes and styles. Carefully read the package and select CFLs that are designed for your fixtures, whether for indoor or outdoor use. To purchase a CFL that emits the same amount of light that a particular incandescent bulb emits, check the equivalency rating printed on the CFL package.

The quality of CFL bulbs differs among manufacturers, so be sure to:

• Look for the words Energy Saving or Energy Saver on the package.
• Check for the ENERGY STAR® logo. This means the product has met energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.
• Look for the UL® mark on the package or bulb. This indicates the product has passed safety testing by the Underwriters Laboratories.

CFLs come in different shades of white. Purchase the shade best suited to your needs and to your liking:

• Warm White, sometimes called Soft White, is the most common color. It produces the same color as a traditional incandescent bulb.
• Cool White casts a bluer white color. This shade of white is more commonly found in work places and professional offices.
• Daylight is the shade preferred in many reading applications because the light makes items appear as they would when illuminated by sunlight.