While going green isn’t as simple as changing a light bulb, every small step helps. Using a compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) can save energy over the course of a year, and this also saves money on energy bills. On average, Compact fluorescent bulbs use about a quarter to a third of the energy that a standard incandescent would use. They also last hundreds of times longer than an incandescent bulb. With the introduction of compact fluorescents that work with dimmer switches, the options just became even wider!
Why Don’t Most Compact Fluorescent Bulbs Work With Dimmer Switches?
When compact fluorescent bulbs first came out, it was difficult to integrate them into existing light fixtures. In particular, there were no options for people who had already installed dimmer switches for energy conservation or simply to add a variation in light levels in a room. Until recently, using a compact fluorescent with a dimmer switch meant that the compact fluorescent would have a very short life span. Things have now changed in the world of compact fluorescents, and as technology has advanced, so have the options for those who want to combine energy-efficient lighting with dimmer switches.
New CFL Bulbs Work Well With a Dimmer
Some CFL bulbs are now compatible with dimmer switches. The dimmer switches must be manual rotary or slide dimmers, not electronic dimmer switches. Dimmer-compatible bulbs are more expensive than the standard compact fluorescents, running around $12 a bulb compared to the $4 a bulb for non-dimmable CFLs; however, they can be purchased online in packages of generic light bulbs for much less. The market and the technology for dimmer-friendly compact fluorescent light bulbs is still emerging, so stay informed, since the options will only improve!
Features to Look For In Dimmable Compact Fluorescents
To find the best dimmable fluorescent light bulbs, look for these features:
- Some bulbs feature warm tones of light most suitable for home lighting
- For those who want the look of an incandescent, some CFL bulbs are encased in a retro glass bulb
- The bulb dims to a reasonable level, from 20% to 2% of the full light level
- The bulb does not flicker when it is on low level light
- The bulb turns on quickly, especially if it is going to be used in an entrance area
- The bulb does not hum – this can be very irritating
Brands such as Purespectrum are coming out with CFL bulbs that meet all of these requirements.
For those who installed dimmer switches to try to use less energy, the fact that compact fluorescent bulbs have not been compatible with dimmers has been maddening. However, new bulbs are now on the market that will change the lighting world yet again – dimmable, compact fluorescent bulbs. Watch for changes in technology that make these bulbs less expensive to buy, turn on nearly instantly and dim to a very low light level.
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