THE PRODUCT:
Compact Fluorescent lamps (CFLs) use fluorescent technology to produce light. Most CFLs can fit into fixtures designed for traditional incandescent light bulbs.
THE STANDARD:
CFL standards were adopted by Congress in the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The standards are a subset of the Energy Star criteria for CFLs and are intended to ensure that CFLs sold in the U.S. are good quality products that will satisfy consumers. The standards took effect in January 2006.
The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 included CFLs in the definition of General Service Lamps (GSLs). See the General Service Incandescent Lamp description for details on the standards.
KEY FACTS:
CFLs are about 75% more efficient than traditional incandescents and last 8-10 times as long.
