For those who want to cut down on the cost of their electric bills without having to invest in new appliances can choose to install compact fluorescent lighting instead of the standard incandescent bulbs typically preferred by many people. Unlike incandescent lighting, compact fluorescent lighting uses a different technology which consumes significantly fewer watts of electricity in order to output the same amount as an incandescent bulb. For example, a 10 watt fluorescent lamp can output the same amount of light as a 60 watt incandescent bulb. Over time, this can save you a significant amount of money. In addition to this, compact fluorescent lighting can output light on the same frequency as the sun, allowing for the growth of indoor plants. These lights can also help with problems such as seasonal depression if the right type of compact fluorescent lighting is purchased.

However, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind when you are purchasing compact fluorescent lighting. First, not every compact fluorescent lighting is created equal. Some are suitable for dimming or three way lights, while others are not. Some output a brighter light, while some have a softer light. When you are selecting your compact fluorescent lighting, it is important that you are careful in which lights you select. If you select the wrong type of light for your fixture, you may blow the lamp. As lamps can cost up to fifteen times the amount of regular lights, it is important that you match the fluorescent lighting with the fixture. This will prevent costly errors.

In addition to lowering your electric bill each month, compact fluorescent lighting has one distinct advantage over incandescent lighting. Fluorescent lamps typically last for many years, easily outlasting incandescent bulbs. With a life span of up to ten years without degradation of light quality, they easily pay for themselves in the form of lowered electric bills and costs of replacing light bulbs. While you must invest more for the lamp initially, they typically have paid for themselves within the first year of use.

As the popularity of compact fluorescent lighting has greatly increased, the types of lights these lamps have been made for has also increased. It is possible to acquire fluorescent lamps for decorative fixtures, as well as for dimmers, three ways and even as flood lamps. For gardeners, growing lights are also available, allowing for healthy indoor plants.