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.

Dimmable compact fluorescents tend to dim well with mechanical slide and rotary controls, but less well with electronic dimming controls, programmable controls, and remote controls. These special bulbs should not be screwed into "hot" sockets, so be sure to turn off power to the socket before installation of the bulb. Finally, dimmable fluorescents will generally not light when the dimming control is at less than full power. Turn the control to full power, turn on the switch, and then dim the fluorescent to the desired level.