How to Make a CFL last

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By carolina d
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You may already know that using CFLs saves about 75% in energy costs; when compare to incandescent bulbs, the saving are huge!
Lear how to increase your savings by following these tips.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

CFLs bulbs
non-dimmable switches
a little knowledge

Step 1

DO THE TWIST!

When screwing the CFL hold the unit by the ballast part and not the glass TUBING.
Step 2

DON'T FLIP TOO FAST!

Amazingly when you turn them on, you will maximize the lifetime savings and effectiveness of the CFLs if you or keep it on (let it run)for 15 minutes or more at the time.
Step 3

DON'T DIM A NON-DIMMABLE UNIT

Most of the CFL's are non-dimmable; if you house is not using any of the dimmable switches you will have no worries.

Otherwise make sure use those units labeled dimmable with dimmer switches.

If you ignore this particular detail, you might end up using more energy, and the bulb won't last as long.
Step 4

CHECK YOUR CONTROLS

Lately everyone is trying to upgrade to those photocells, motion sensors or electric timers; however, those are not designed to work with CFL. Ask the manufacturer of the controls for compatibility.
Step 5

GIVE THEM AIR

CFL's could be sensitive to extreme temperatures, so, it's best if you place them in open fixtures when using them indoors. Hot temperatures can reduce the lifetime of your bulb.
Step 6

PROTECT THE OUTDOOR UNITS

Protect CFLs from the outdoor elements by placing them inside enclosed fixtures; also check the manufacturer's instructions for optimal operating temperatures.