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Do compact fluorescent lamps/lightbulbs (CFLs) give off as much heat as regular incandescent bulbs?

Last Updated: November 23, 2009

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Compact fluorescent lamps/lightbulbs (CFLs) do not give off as much heat as incandescent bulbs. Incandescent bulbs use about 10-15% of the energy consumed for light, and the remaining energy is given off as heat. A CFL lasts longer, uses less energy, and produces approximately 90% less heat than an incandescent bulb. For more information about lighting comparisons, see: Comparing Incandescent Lighting with Compact Fluorescent Lighting from the U.S. Department of Energy.

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