Field performance of compact fluorescent systems

The performance and cost-effectiveness of compact fluorescent lighting systems were assessed for five building types. While several commonly used performance criteria were identified in advance, other performance attributes only became apparent during the study. Fixture and lamp costs are substantially higher than for incandescent systems, but are offset by much longer lamp life and greater efficacy. Comparative life-cycle cost estimates were developed. The balance between increased capital and decreased operating costs varies with electricity tariffs, labor costs for replacing burned-out lamps, and other factors. Compact fluorescents may be a desirable choice for other reasons such as reduced vulnerability to electricity price increases, reduced loads on emergency power systems, reduced temperatures in areas inadequately cooled by air conditioning systems, simplification of lamp inventories, reduced heat damage to exit sign enclosures, and prevention of inadvertent gross overlamping.<>