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What Are CFLs?

CFL stands for Compact Fluorescent Lamp and describes a modern type of light bulb that will fit into a standard screw-type light fixture. Most CFLs consist of either a number of short glass sticks, or two or three small spiral loops. Sometimes these are enclosed to look like a traditional light bulb. CFLs work in a similar fashion to the older fluorescent tube lights, but without the flickering or buzzing sound.

CFLs are often referred to as low energy because they use much less energy than the outdated tungsten filament bulbs that they replace. They also typically last many times longer than traditional bulbs. The immediate energy savings combined with their exceptionally long life means that these bulbs pay for themselves many times over, often starting within the first year of use.