If you tried CFLs in the past and didn’t like some things about them, it’s worth giving them another chance. CFLs on the market today are much different than they were just a few years ago. Most complaints from earlier versions of CFLs have been resolved; such as light color, time to turn on and variety.

CFLs are available in a variety of shades of light, from warm white to cool white to daylight. The color of a CFL can make a big impact in your perception of the bulb and influence the “mood” of your room. Light color is measured on a temperature scale referred to as Kelvin (K). A lower Kelvin indicates a warm, yellowish light and a higher Kelvin has a cooler, bluish light. Find out more about light color.

There are now “instant-on” CFLs so you don’t have to wait for the light to fully turn on. CFLs are also available to work with dimmers and three-way light fixtures, and with electronics such as occupancy sensors. Look for these customized bulbs at your local hardware store or at most big box stores.

CFLs are available in multiple shapes and sizes to fit virtually any fixture. You can get the recognizable spiral bulb to fit most table lamps, ceiling fixtures and outdoor fixtures. You can get the covered A-shape bulbs, which on the outside look similar to incandescent bulbs and work well in open fixtures such as ceiling fans and pendant fixtures. CFLs are also available in globes, tubes, candle and reflector shapes.