Switching from incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs can also save you money over time. You will save by replacing bulbs less frequently and by saving electricity. A compact fluorescent bulb is made to be used just like a traditional incandescent bulb. It will provide the same light, however, by using only about a fourth of the electricity. Fluorescent bulbs also emit less heat than incandescent bulbs, and they last as much as 15 times longer. If you make this choice for lighting fixtures or for lamps, you should know that there are three kinds of compact fluorescent bulbs.
- Self-ballasted bulbs just screw into an ordinary light socket.
- Adapter kit bulbs come in two pieces: a ballast, that screws into an ordinary light socket, and the fluorescent bulb, that plugs into the ballast. This type of purchase allows you to use the ballast through the life span of several bulbs.
- New fixtures will probably look better because they hide more of the ballast, but they must be installed by an electrician. The fixtures will include a ballast into which you plug the bulb.
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