Do CFLs provide the same quality of light as incandescent bulbs?
People are often concerned about the light quality from CFLs. There are several ways to ensure that you are happy with your new lights. First, check the lumen rating of the bulb; the higher the lumen rating, the greater the light output. Then check the bulb’s kelvin (K) rating. Bulbs with a lower K rating (2,700 – 3,000K) give off a soft, warm light, similar to an incandescent, and are suitable for living rooms, bedrooms etc. Bulbs with a higher K rating (3,500 – 6,500K) give off a cooler, white or bluish-white light that may be identified as “bright white” or “daylight.” You may want to choose this type of bulb for task lighting. And remember that CFLs can take from 30 seconds to three minutes to reach their full lighting potential after you turn the lamp on.
