Why use compact fluorescent light bulbs? Compact fluorescent light bulbs require approximately one-fourth to one-third of the electricity needed by an incandescent light bulb to produce the same amount of light. Using less electricity will result in lower electricity costs and reduce the environmental impact associated with the production of electricity.

An "R" lamp is a common reflector, simply directing light in one direction. A "BR" is a bulged reflector, able to direct a little more light in the central part of the beam. "PAR" stands for parabolic aluminized reflector", which is a reflector with an interior reflecting surface able to project a narrower beam than an "R" lamp. The numeric value represents the diameter in eighths of an inch. A "PAR38", for example, has a diameter of 38 eighths of an inch.