Floor/Table Lamps
Spiral, covered A-shape or tubed ENERGY STAR® certified light bulbs work well in floor/table lamps.

Many floor/table lamps use a special 3-way socket. If yours does, look for a 3-way bulb to use. Check the packaging to ensure the bulb is designed for the application intended.

If your floor/table lamp is hooked up to a dimmer switch, make sure you only use dimmable bulbs or else the light bulbs won’t dim and might even burn out sooner.

Ceiling Fixtures
For ceiling fixtures, spiral or tubed ENERGY STAR certified bulbs are an economical choice. Ensure your fixture allows airflow to prevent excessive heat from shortening the life or decreasing the amount of light the CFL gives off.

If your ceiling fixture is hooked up to a dimmer switch, make sure you only use dimmable bulbs or else the light bulbs won’t dim and might even burn out sooner.

Pendant Fixtures
While bare bulbs can be used, most people prefer the look of covered ENERGY STAR certified light bulbs in their pendant fixtures. Covered bulbs come in both traditional “A” or globe shapes.

If your pendant fixture is hooked up to a dimmer switch, make sure you only use dimmable bulbs or else the light bulbs won’t dim and might even burn out sooner.

Ceiling Fans
For ceiling fans, you have a variety of options. Spiral bulbs can be used but most people prefer the look of covered light bulbs such as “A”-shape, candles, or small reflectors. For some ceiling fans, the size of the CFL will be important. A lot of manufacturers are developing other CFLs for use specifically in ceiling fans.

If your ceiling fan is hooked up to a dimmer switch, make sure you only use dimmable bulbs or else the light bulbs won’t dim and might even burn out sooner.

Wall Sconces
Due to their smaller sizes, spiral, tubed or candle shaped ENERGY STAR certified light bulbs will work well in wall sconces.

If your sconce is hooked up to a dimmer switch, make sure you only use dimmable bulbs or else the light bulbs won’t dim and might even burn out sooner.

Recessed Cans
Indoor reflector light bulbs work best in recessed cans because they are specially designed to direct the light out of the fixture and to withstand the heat buildup that occurs in these fixtures.

If your recessed cans use a dimmer switch, make sure you buy reflectors that are able to dim. The packaging will tell you whether or not you can use them with a dimmer.

Outdoor Covered Fixtures
Spiral or tubed ENERGY STAR certified light bulbs are both appropriate to use in outdoor covered fixtures where the weather can’t harm them.

For colder temperatures check the packaging for starting temperatures to make sure the bulb will work properly.

Most photocells, motion sensors, and electronic timers are not designed to work with CFLs. Check with the control manufacturer and the CFL packaging for compatibility.

Outdoor Exposed Fixtures
ENERGY STAR certified outdoor flood light bulbs are recommended for outdoor exposed fixtures. These bulbs have special cases that protect them from nature’s elements.

Placing a bare spiral CFL in an open outdoor fixture exposes the tubing and electronics to the elements and is likely to result in an early failure.

For colder temperatures check the packaging for starting temperatures to make sure the bulb will work properly.

Most photocells, motion sensors, and electronic timers are not designed to work with CFLs. Refer to the packaging.