By Zaheer Ahmed Khan
An energy saving light bulbs usually called compact florescent light bulb (CFL) are widely used nowadays as people are getting more and more conscious towards saving the energy. CFL bulbs are usually filled with a gas tubes coated with phosphorous from inside comprising argon and a fewer amount of mercury. CFL bulbs consume less energy than traditional bulbs depending upon their design.

Traits

CFL bulbs are long life energy saving bulbs, which usually saves up to 75% of energy than the traditional bulb. CFL bulbs work for up to 10 times more hours than the ordinary incandescent bulb. The calculations show that the CFL bulbs save up to 150 pounds of carbon emissions per year. Using CFL bulb considerably minimize the carbon footprints in your home. Some companies claim that their CFL bulbs have the lifespan of about 8 years, but generally the lifespan of a normal CFL bulb ranges from few months to certain number of years.

Parts

CFL bulbs is usually consists of certain parts like base, ballast, inner tube and cover. Inner tube is filled with gases. The metal part which fixes in the socket is called its base. The ballast is responsible for the flow of current. The base usually keeps the cover and ballast intact.

Right Usage

You have to keep certain things in mind to get the maximum performance from the CFL bulb:

- To avoid any damage always screw the bulb by holding the ballast.
- Always purchase the right kind of bulb depending upon the socket available at your home. You cannot use bulb with different sockets like dimmable socket bulb cannot be used with outside socket. Dimmable socket bulb is only used with dimmable socket.
- Always choose the best bulb according to your need before purchasing.
- CFL bulbs work well if they are used at place where air circulation is free around them. Usually CFL bulbs are not considered suitable for recessed lighting.
- Once you turn on the bulb, let it remain on for about 15 minutes to ensure the savings from the bulb.

Considerations

CFL bulbs are usually more expensive than the traditional bulb. It is around 20-30 times the price of traditional bulb. CFL bulbs are considered as the low level light bulbs than traditional bulbs so are good for use in lamps and balconies etc.

Risks and Hazards

As I have told you in the introductory paragraph that CFL bulbs comprising of argon gas and mercury vapors. Mercury can be dangerous if exposed to atmosphere. If you have your bulb broken, immediately remove the broken glass of the bulbs carefully, open the windows and don’t forget to wear gloves for safety.

Also learn about How to Overflow Cisterns and How to Maximize the Use of Daylight.

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