When purchasing compact fluorescent lamps/lightbulbs to match the color rendition of incandescent lamps, check the package for the kelvin number. Kelvin is a measurement of color temperature. The number will indicate the degree of warm (yellow-white) or cool (blue-white) produced by the light source. It may be listed as cool white or warm white instead of a kelvin number, or K. The lower the kelvin scale number, the warmer the color temperature, resulting in a more yellowish or orange light source. The higher the kelvin scale number, the cooler (more blue or greens) the color temperature or light source. For example, a 3000 kelvin bulb will emit a warmer light than a 4100 kelvin (cool). Incandescent lamps emit a warm color temperature that fall into the 2700-3000K range. Therefore, if you desire a color rendition from a CFL that is similar to an incandescent lamp, utilize bulbs that have a color temperature no higher than 3000K. Remember, the higher the color temperature a lamp is rated, the bluer the light will appear. Natural daylight is listed at 6000K.

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