CFL -
A
compact fluorescent lamp (
CFL), also known as a
compact fluorescent light bulb is a type of
fluorescent lamp designed to replace an
incandescent lamp. Many CFLs can fit in the existing incandescent
light fixtures.
Compared to incandescent lamps of the same
luminous flux, CFLs use less energy and have a longer rated life. In the United States, a CFL can save over US$30 in electricity costs over the lamp’s lifetime compared to an incandescent lamp and save 2000 times their own weight in
greenhouse gases. The purchase price of a CFL is higher than that of an incandescent lamp of the same luminous output, but this cost is recovered in energy savings.
CFLs radiate a different light spectrum from that of incandescent lamps. Improved
phosphor formulations have improved the subjective color of the light emitted by CFLs such that the best 'soft white' CFLs available in 2007 are subjectively similar in color to standard incandescent lamps.