Fluorescent Light Types

CFL Lamps

• Compact fluorescent bulbs --- also known as CFLs --- are making the most headlines in 2011. This lighting type is being strongly pushed by the U.S. government as a replacement to the traditional incandescent bulb. The bulb plugs into traditional light sockets, making replacement quick and simple. The relative size is also on par with a common incandescent bulb. CFLs last up to 10,000 hours, which can be up to 10 times as long as a common incandescent bulb. According to the federal government's Energy Star program website, a CFL can save more than $40 in electricity over the lifetime of one bulb.

Tube Lamps

• For those not familiar with the compact fluorescent variety, a common tube lamp is more identifiable. Commonly found in schools, offices and kitchens, tube lamps come in either four-foot or eight-foot lengths. They are categorized as either "T8" or "T12," which is determined by the size of the tube diameter. These lights have an extremely long lifespan --- up to 24,000 hours --- and also utilize up to 75 percent less energy than incandescent lights. Tube lamps also come in a stand outfitted with a ballast. These mobile fixture-based lamps offer low-level ambient lighting.

Circline Lamps

• Circline lamps are circular, tube-like lamps. These fixtures are generally small and serve as easy-to-move task lighting. Circline lamps last up to 12,000 hours.

Safety

• The key to broken CFLs is proper cleanup. Open windows for ventilation, and shut off the central air-conditioning or heat. Sweep up all pieces of broken glass, placing them in a plastic bag. Seal the bag and use a damp cloth paper towel to ensure all of the small pieces are picked up.

  If local specialty recycling or waste facilities exist, dispose of burned-out or broken CFLs this way. If no other option is available, seal the bulb in a plastic bag and place it in the trash outside. Avoid any disposal method that may involve an incinerator.