Advantages of Compact Fluorescent Bulbs

Compact fluorescent bulbs are bulbs that provide many advantages compared to incandescent bulbs. These bulbs are in a spiral shape and can be found in many different sizes.
One of the largest advantages of compact fluorescent bulbs is that they use much less energy than other types of bulbs. Compared to incandescent bulbs, their biggest competitor, they use as much as 75% less energy to do the same job. What this means is that you do not need as much wattage to make a certain amount of light. For instance, a compact fluorescent bulb that is 20 watts can shine similar to a 75 watt incandescent bulb. If you have a lamp that requires low wattage, but you wish that it would glow a lot brighter, then a compact fluorescent bulb can provide this.
The energy savings add up tremendously. Energy Star reports that if every American household took out one incandescent bulb and replaced it with a compact fluorescent bulb that produced the same amount of light, the resulting energy savings after a year could provide enough power to give light to over 3 million households.
Energy savings translate into something very substantial for homeowners: money savings. People spend a great deal of money on electricity bills, and since they will not use as much of it to produce the same light, they will start to see savings on their bills for every single light bulb that they switch out. Changing a compact fluorescent bulb that is 13 watts for an incandescent that is 60 watts can provide $30 in energy savings. Although compact fluorescent bulbs are more expensive, you will still save far more money by using them because of the energy savings.
The energy savings also mean a lot for the environment. By using less resources, you are saving the environment from the cost, pollution and other negatives of coal-fired power plants and other methods for getting energy. With less burning coal comes less pollution of greenhouse gases and less of an environmental impact.
Another benefit of compact fluorescent bulbs is that they last a lot longer than incandescent bulbs. They might literally burn ten times as long as the standard bulb.
It is convenient for the bulbs to burn out less often. You have less likely a chance of one being burned out, and you do not have to go to the hassle of changing it as often. This is especially important if the bulb is in a place where it is difficult to change.
Compact fluorescent bulbs are extremely versatile. Some can work in dimmers and three-way lamps as well as outdoors. Also people are happy with the quality of the light.
Compact fluorescent bulbs provide many advantages. One disadvantage is that they do contain mercury, thus care must be taken if one breaks. Homeowners can consider the above pros when deciding whether to buy this product.