How do CFL’s work compared to regular bulbs?
CFLs have come a long way in the last 20 years. Today’s CFLs use advanced technology; are small; quick to light up; efficient; produce better light; and are available in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. Some even work on dimmers or three-way switches. CFLs produce light differently than incandescent bulbs. In an incandescent, electric current runs through a wire filament and heats the filament until it starts to glow. In a CFL, an electric current is driven through a tube containing argon and a small amount of mercury vapor. This generates invisible ultraviolet light that excites a fluorescent coating (called phosphor) on the inside of the tube, which then emits visible light. CFLs need a little more energy when they are first turned on, but once the electricity starts moving, use about 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs.
