The Cheapest Ways to Dim Fluorescent Lights

If It Doesn't Have an Energy Star Label, Don't Buy It

• Look for the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star label. Energy efficiency translates directly into lower power bills. The label also assures you that the bulb will quickly become fully illuminated. It also tells you that the bulb's light will have warm, soft, white hues, generating a full spectrum of color.

Make It as Bright as You Need -- and No More

• Use only the light you need. Dimming the bulb causes it to use less electricity to excite the neon inside, thanks to a special circuit incorporated into the bulb's design. So, a dimmable CFL bulb uses less power when you use the dimmer switch. Shop for bulbs that can be dimmed to 10 percent of full brightness, which is about as dim as they will go. Assess how much light you actually need, and dim accordingly.

Wait Before You Dim It

• Allow the CFL bulb to become fully bright before dimming it. This will require a 10-to-15-minute wait, but it will enable the dimmer to work correctly.

Do Your Homework Before You Buy

• Talk with friends who've tried dimmable CFLs and read product reviews before buying. The more information you have, the better decision you'll make when you make the purchase.