GLOSSARY OF TERMS
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Compact fluorescent lighting (CFL)
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CFLs have a longer life and use less energy than the traditional incandescent bulb. Incandescent lamps are less efficient than CFLs because they convert approximately 90% of the energy they consume into heat (compared to 30% for a CFL). A CFL can save 2000 times its weight in greenhouse gases over its lifespan and the “soft white” CFLs available as of 2007 have good quality lighting comparable to a traditional bulb, allowing one to save energy and maintain ambiance. Modern CFLs typically have a life span of between 6,000 and 15,000 hours, whereas incandescent lamps are usually manufactured to have a life span of 750 hours or 1000 hours. Lighting makes up about one-fifth of total energy use in industrialised countries, so CFLs’ efficiency (they use 1/5-1/4 less energy than traditional bulbs) could mean substantial energy reductions overall.
(From EnergyStar.Gov, Gelighting.com and New Scientist)
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