CFL Bulbs
What are CFL Bulbs?
Energy-saving bulbs are light sources that produce light via a gas charge in a glass tube. These lights are also called compact fluorescent lamps (CFL). For a long time, low-energy light bulbs were the most commonly used alternative to incandescent bulbs and fluorescent tubes because they had a lower wattage and therefore yielded energy savings. There are now various low-energy LED lightbulbs available, which allow you to save even more energy! The LED CFL bulb has the same fitting as a conventional energy-saving bulb and can therefore be easily and quickly replaced 1-to-1 in the same fixture. Lampdirect sells low-energy light bulbs from top brands such as Philips, Osram and Sylvania.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of an energy-saving (CFL) bulb?
Would you like to buy an energy-saving light bulb? Then it is good to find out whether this is a profitable and/or sensible choice. As you can see from the diagram below, low-energy light bulbs consume less energy than incandescent light bulbs, but there are a number of other factors that make them less attractive to buy. Moreover, there is now the LED low-energy light bulb, which is much better for the environment, lasts longer and is also much more economical.
| Advantage | Disadvantages |
| Lasts up to 5 times longer than conventional bulbs | An energy saving lamp contains mercury and can break |
| Available in different colour temperatures and fittings | It takes a while for the bulb to burn to full strength |
| Many CFL bulbs are dimmable | Does not fit in every fixture and does not have high colour rendering |
| Consume less energy than conventional light bulbs | Lifespan decreases relatively quickly with more frequent switching on and off |
Note: The EU has decided to phase out conventional CFL bulbs. Read more about the phase-out and suitable LED alternatives here.
What is the difference between energy-saving bulbs and LED bulbs?
LED bulbs perform better than low-energy lamps in all respects. In addition, you can find a suitable LED replacement for all your old low-energy light bulbs. The biggest advantage is that the light from LED CFL bulbs shines directly at 100% brightness. So you can also use LEDs for a short lighting period. In addition, LED CFL lamps are much more efficient. You can therefore save up to 70% of your energy costs. Also in terms of lifespan, LED low-energy light bulbs are leading the way. They shine for up to 60,000 hours, which is 23 years if you use them 60 hours a week. More information on the energy saving light bulb and LED energy saving light bulb can be found in our blog: LED vs energy saving light bulb. If you would like to see our range of LED energy saving light bulbs, please click on the following link: LED vs CFL bulbs.
What do I need to consider if I want to buy a CFL bulb online?
It is important to first check what type of fitting it is. There are differences between 2-pin CFL bulbs and 4-pin energy-saving bulbs. On CFL bulb it always says what type of fitting it is. This way you can be sure that you are buying the right low-energy light bulb which will also fit in the fitting. It is also good to look closely at which colour temperature best suits the room where you want to place the low-energy light bulb.
What colour temperatures are available for low-energy light bulbs?
Do you want an energy-saving bulb with a warm and atmospheric light? Or do you prefer low-energy light bulbs that emit a brighter light? There are several choices you can make when it comes to light colour. Which ones they are and what their characteristics are is shown below in the diagram. Click on the desired colour temperature and you will see all available low-energy light bulbs appear.
| Color temperature | Application area |
| 2700 Kelvin - extra warm white | Atmospheric light. Living rooms, bedrooms, hotels, theatres, etc. |
| 3000 Kelvin - warm white | Soft, neutral light. Corridors, hallways, canteens, reception areas |
| 4000 Kelvin - cool white | Cool and natural light. Desk lamps, warehouses, kitchens |
| 6500 Kelvin - daglicht wit | (Natural) daylight. Workshops, laboratories, printing works, healthcare |
In what fittings are CFL bulbs available?
Energy saving lamps are supplied in various lamp sockets, making them suitable for multiple fittings. The most common sockets are listed below. Click on a fitting to view all products. You can also use the filter menu on this page. Choose from the options on the left-hand side by fitting and we will then select all the low-energy light bulbs for you.
Are low-energy light bulbs dimmable?
In contrast to fluorescent tubes, there are many energy-saving lamps that can be dimmed without a problem. However, this is only possible with a phase angle dimmer. If you have such a dimmer installed, you can look in our category dimmable energy-saving bulbs. Of course you can always use our filter function on the left. All you have to do is tick the box "Yes" under "Dimmable".
Can a CFL bulb break?
Yes, an energy-saving bulb is made of glass and can break. This can be dangerous if you don't take the right precautions. Low-energy light bulbs contain a certain amount of mercury, which is a toxic substance. Breathing mercury vapour can cause health problems such as headaches and lack of sleep. Does an energy-saving bulb break? Ventilate the affected area for at least 30 minutes before cleaning. Always wear sturdy gloves when picking up the broken glass and do not use a hoover. Place the broken CFL bulb in a plastic bag and take it to your local recycling centre. Also make sure that nobody walks through the broken material and the spilt mercury. Always clean the spot where the light bulb fell as well as possible. If there is mercury residue from the energy saving light bulb in a carpet, you should remove it with adhesive tape.
Where can I hand in old energy-saving light bulbs?
Old CFL bulbs that are still intact (not cracked) are best taken to a recycling point or to the environmental centre in your area. The harmful components are a serious danger to the environment and therefore do not belong in the household waste! Also, LED energy-saving light bulbs should not be disposed of with household waste. Although they do not contain toxic substances, they do contain electronic components that can be recycled. This means that old LEDs also belong in the recycling centre. There they will be recycled.