Click to watch video

--You’ll pay more for cfls at the check out but you’ll save you a lot in the long run. The average cfl uses about 75% less energy and can last 8 to 10 times longer than an ordinary bulb.

Associated Press

Try a compact fluorescent light bulb in your reading lamp because it gives off better light.

--Try a cfl in your reading lamp and you might be able to take off your glasses. The quality of light is so much better, many people report being able to read without their glasses.

--Because of their much smaller size and that the light from most cfls is filtered and diffused through lamp shades and ceiling fixtures, cfl’s do not produce the harsh glare most often associated with more commercial fluorescent lighting.

--Don’t use cfls in areas where the light will be switched off and on such as bathrooms and pantries or closets. Constantly turning them on and off will shorten their life.

--Cfls work best in any area where the light will be on for three hours or more at a time such as kitchens or family rooms.

--Unlike incandescent bulbs, cfls are not interchangeable so when you’re shopping look for bulbs for specific purposes. For example, if you plan to use one on a dimmer, make sure it’s appropriate for that use.

--Swirled cfl bulbs last longer than more conventional designs.

--Cfls are great to use in hard to reach light fixtures. Because they last so much longer, you won’t have to change it as often.

--For various reasons, it’s not recommended that they be used in totally closed light fixtures or in ceiling fans.

--Cfls measure about 1/3 the wattage of a regular bulb. As a rule of thumb, a 75 watt incandescent bulb is equal to a 25 watt cfl. Here are some more wattage conversions. Most cfl packaging also lists this information

Incandescent 40W 60W 75W 100W 150W

Fluorescent 9W 15 W 25W 27W 39W

So there you have it - a few bright ideas for saving money.