How do I choose a compact fluorescent lamp/lightbulb (CFL) that is as bright as a typical incandescent lightbulb?

When purchasing compact fluorescent lamps/lightbulbs (CFLs), look for the word "lumens" on the packaging. Lumens are a measurement of light output. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light source. Often, consumers confuse lumens with wattage. Wattage indicates the amount of electricity required to power the bulb (energy use).

Since 1995, federal law requires both lumens and wattage to be printed on all lightbulb packages. When choosing a CFL to replace your lightbulb, compare the lumens on an incandescent bulb to the lumens on a compact fluorescent bulb.

As an example, a 25 watt CFL emits about 1600 lumens, which is the same number of lumens that a 100 watt incandescent bulb emits.

Another method is to estimate the wattage needed for a new CFL by using a 3 to 1 ratio. For example, a 60 watt incandescent can be replaced by a 20 watt CFL.

ENERGY STAR® has more information related to CFL light.

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