It’s 3 AM. You stumble into the bathroom for some late night relief. You reach for the light switch only to find that your CFL bulb is dead. Again. There’s a reason for that. Despite the much-heralded advancements in CFL technology, there are still some kinks to be ironed out. Yes, CFL bulbs last six to ten times longer on average than incandescent bulbs, but that’s only if they’re used properly. For example, did you know that CFL bulbs can’t be used in dimmers?  These factors considerably shorten a CFL’s lifespan:

Dimmers - Only use CFL bulbs specifically designed for dimmers – otherwise you’re reducing the lifespan by 85% – 100%! The lifespan is still reduced if you leave the dimmer on high constantly.

Heat & Humidity – Heat and humidity cut into a CFL’s lifespan because heat builds up inside the glass bulb. A cool bulb will last longer.

Rapid Switching – CFL lifespans are calculated based on three-hour run times. So, if your CFL’s are in a room where they’re switched on and off frequently — like a bathroom — they probably aren’t going to live to their projected lifespan. If your fixture turns on and off more than 20 times in a 24 hour period, you shouldn’t use a CFL. It will reduce the bulb’s lifespan by 25% – 35%.

Vibration – CFL’s in fixtures that vibrate, like ceiling fans and garage door openers, won’t perform well because the vibration adds stress to the bulb because vibration causes the electronic components in the ballast to separate.

Luckily, there are other green options! If you’re frustrated with a CFL flickering out over your bathroom sink or in your son’s ceiling fan, use a halogen incandescent or LED light instead. Find other ways to green, clean, maintain, decorate and entertain in your home from our friends at BrightNest.com!