Why choose Compact Fluorescent Lighting (CFL)?
1 - CFL technology has several advantages over incandescent lighting technology: it is four times more efficient and lasts up to 10 times longer, it uses about 75% less energy, and produces 90% less heat while delivering more light. In addition, they provide a flicker-free start, soft-white light, are environmentally friendly, and come in a variety of styles.
2 - Although they are more expensive to purchase initially, you save money in the long run because CFLs use 1/3 the electricity and last up to 10 times as long as incandescents. Energy-efficient CFLs can be used anywhere incandescent bulbs are used: in recessed fixtures, table lamps, ceiling fixtures and porch lights. Make sure to choose the Color Temperature that is right for you; for example: Approx. 2700K = Warm White (looks just like incandescent) and Approx. 4100K = Cool White (white/blue, often higher CRI).
Why do my fluorescent lights flicker?
Flickering can be caused by any of the following conditions:
1. The environment is too cold; most ballasts are not designed for temperatures less than 50 degrees. Drafts and moving cold air may cause flickering too. Special low-temperature ballasts are available.
2. The lamp is not properly installed in the socket. Try removing it and reinstalling it to ensure it is firmly in place.
3. The lamp is at the end of its life and needs to be replaced.
4. The lamp and the ballast wattage requirements are not properly matched to each other.
What is CRI?
CRI stands for Color Rendering Index and is measured on a scale of 1 to 100. The higher the CRI the better the ability of the light source to render colors accurately. In other words colors will look more “true” and natural. A lower CRI can result in some distortion of the actual color.
Why does a light bulb turn black?
1 - Over the life of an incandescent light bulb the filament begins to deteriorate and the particles will settle on the inside of the glass. In return the bulb will take on a grayish appearance and a slight decrease in light output may occur.
2 - For fluorescent bulbs only the ends will blacken as the bulb is burned. Each time the lamp is turned on and off the emissions material settles on the inside of the glass. Extreme darkening generally indicates the bulb is about to burn out.
