Important Benefits And Harmful Effects Of CFL Lamps

CFL or Compact Fluorescent lamps are basically fluorescent lighting in smaller versions. These lights are gaining immense popularity due to its ingrained beneficial features. However, it is not devoid of disadvantages too. Modern fluorescent lamps appear quite similar to the incandescent lamps or bulbs.

Some Notable Benefits:

Energy Efficiency: One of the most important benefits of using these lamps is that it is quite energy efficient compared to the incandescent lamps. Therefore it requires less replacement.

Eco-Friendly: These lighting options are also considered to be eco-friendly as it seldom emits any poisonous gases. Carbon emissions can also be reduced to a large extent with the use of these lights.

Cost Effective: Although these lamps are initially expensive, it lasts for a longer period of time and therefore it is considered to be cost effective. There is hardly any need to replace these bulbs for a long period of time. Thus it helps to reduce the cost of buying new bulbs.

Huge Variety: The Compact Fluorescent Lights are available in a huge range of varieties and styles. It can be bought in different sizes and colors for different uses. There are globe style lamps which are ideal for bathroom fixtures. There are reading lamps which can be used in places which require perfect ambience. Today it is easy to find a huge range of these lighting options in many of the online stores at various price rates. Some of the stores also offer discounted rates for bulk purchases of these lights. However, it is essential to purchase from leading and reputed brands to obtain high quality products.

Versatility: These lights are also considered to be versatile as it can be used for different purposes. It can be used in ceiling lights, table lamps, fixtures and track lighting. Today there are lamps, which function with the use of dimmers that can be used to enhance the decor of homes and office spaces.

Disadvantages:

CFL lamps have its share of disadvantageous features too. Not all Compact Fluorescent Lights can be used with dimmers switches. It is essential to check the package of these light bulbs before buying it from online or offline stores.

It is not wise to switch off and on these lights frequently as it can reduce the lifespan of these lighting products. These lights are ideal for areas which require ambient lights rather than spot lights as it seldom emits narrow beams.

One of the most notable disadvantages of the Compact Fluorescent lights is its mercury content which can prove to be quite harmful to the environment in many ways. Mercury is a toxic element when it is exposed to the environment. However, it hardly poses any harmful effects when the bulb is used. But when these bulbs are discarded or broken, it can affect the environment. Therefore it is quite essential to discard these bulbs carefully.

It is also important to protect the CFL lamps from harsh climatic conditions as it is quite sensitive to extreme changes in the temperature.