Energize your home with

Compact Fluorescent Light

Philips compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) offer comfortable, soft light for an inviting atmosphere. CFL bulbs provide high- performance, energy saving and long-lasting light. These bulbs are the most sold energy saving lamps. CFLs combine the energy of fluorescent lighting with the convenience and popularity of incandescent fixtures.

Philips compact fluorescent light bulbs fit in most fixtures designed for incandescent bulbs and use about 75% less energy.* CFLs last 6 to 15 times as long (6.000 – 15.000 hours).CFLs are most cost-effective and efficient in areas where lights are on for long periods.

From table lamps and recessed lighting to decorative fixtures, compact fluorescents are available in the shapes and sizes you are accustomed to in soft white, natural or daylight.

View all CFL bulbs

History

CFLs were introduced in the mid-1980s.The performance, efficiency (about 75% less energy than incandescent)*, price and lifetime (last 10 times longer) are improved since 1990. The Philips CFL bulb is a good choice to use at home. CFL even get a energy star label.

How our CFL bulbs work

Light from a fluorescent bulb is first created by an electric current conducted through an inert gas producing ultraviolet light that is invisible to the human eye. The ultraviolet light in turn interacts with special blends of phosphors coating the interior surface of the fluorescent lamp tube that efficiently converts the invisible light into useful white light. Fluorescent bulbs require a special power supply called a ballast that is needed to regulate bulb operating current and provide a compatible start-up voltage. Electronic ballasts perform the same function as a magnetic ballast but outperform the outdated magnetic products by operating at a very high frequency that eliminates flicker and noise while simultaneously increasing efficiency. Electronic ballasts are also more easily designed to allow for more consistent and efficient lamp operation, lamp dimming, and networking of lighting products for advanced control of lighting.

Learn more about our CFL bulbs

Choose CFL bulbs? We explain why

With our energy-saving bulbs you can enjoy bright, energizing light, at the same time as saving energy and money. Perfect for task lighting in studies, home offices and other spaces that need extra brightness they last up to 20 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs and use up to 80 % less energy

Available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes you will be sure to find the right bulb to fit your needs:

•The very popular stick shape is perfect for functional lighting, typically in common light fixtures, in shaded lamps, where the bulb is less visible

•The compact spiral shape is a perfect fit for smaller light fixtures, and first choice if you need more light output to really brighten up a space

•The standard bulb (``A-shape``)is the most familiar shape, best for creating ambience and a cozy atmosphere, mostly used in table lamps or ceiling fixtures.

•The deco shapes (globes, candles) are used for more decorative fixtures, where the bulb is more visible

•Tubes are used for task lighting, or to light up large areas such as corridors or garages

Find your Philips CFLi product

Discover more

Popular products

Take a look at our popular products and choose the right bulb

FAQ

Learn more about CFL bulbs? Find out via the five most FAQ’s.

1. What are the benefits of CFL?: Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) last longer, use less electricity than conventional incandescent light bulbs. They are a great choice if you are looking for an easy way to save energy and reduce your lighting bills
2. How long will they last?: CFL light bulbs have a lifespan from 6000 hours of up to 15 000 hours of usage, so they rarely need replacing. In comparison, typical incandescent light bulbs are usually rated to last up to 1.000 hours.

Actual lifetime will be affected by the frequency of on-off cycles, and the operating environment (extreme cold or hot environment may result in shorter life).
3. Where should I use sticks?: The very popular stick shape is perfect for functional lighting, typically used for task lighting,or to light up large areas such as corridors or garages, where the bulb is less visible
4. Where should I use spiral bulbs?: The compact spiral shape is a perfect fit for smaller light fixtures, and first choice if you need more light output to really brighten up a space
5. Where should I use standard or deco shape bulb shape: The standard bulb (``A-shape``) is the most familiar shape, best for creating ambience and a cozy atmosphere, mostly used in table lamps, ceiling fixtures. Also available in a variety of deco shapes for more decorative fixtures, where the bulb is more visible.
6. What should I do when CFL stop working?: Compact fluorescent lamps have to be treated as special waste. They must be taken to your local waste facilities for recycling.

*Traditional incandescent globe no longer available in the market.

Need to know's

Choose CFL bulbs? We explain why

Energy Savers are a very economical choice.

They use up to 85% less energy than classic bulbs, ……and have a lifespan of up to 15 years, so they rarely need replacing.

They offer the perfect range of high-brightness functional lighting for areas like work spaces… kitchens … and living rooms. But there’s more to it!

Philips CFL Energy Savers come in a variety of different shapes and designs.

They’re also available in different color temperatures: from cool, bright daylight-tones, which have a fresh and energizing effect, to warm white tones which are cozy and relaxing.

In short:

if you’re looking for an easy way to save energy and reduce your lighting bills, energy savers are a great choice… and now you know they offer more to create the right light effect and ambience that fits your mood.

Energy savers HowTo

Portfolio CFLi

Need more help? Choose the right bulb

To learn more about Philips Lighting watch our videos or click here

LED lights bulbs

LED light bulbs can help you transform any living space with beautiful, warm white light. This guide shows you how LED light bulbs can offer you unlimited lighting possibilities. With LED lighting bulbs, you can save up to 90% energy and money.

Light effect

See how a bulb's light effect is influenced by its coating and how this can help you create the right kind of lighting. Frosted light bulbs give a diffused light. Clear light bulbs produce a sparkling, natural warm light.

Energy saving light bulbs

Energy-saving light bulbs, also known as compact fluorescent bulbs, use less energy than classic light bulbs to produce the same amount of light. See how energy savers can create the right light effect and ambience to fit your mood and reduce your lighting bills.

Halogen light bulbs

Halogen bulbs are the quickest and easiest way to replace classic light bulbs. See how halogen bulbs offer you a huge choice of lighting possibilities, providing the same quality of warm, sparkling light as classic bulbs. Halogen bulbs are the quickest and easiest way to replace classic light bulbs Energy saving light bulbs - How to choose the right light technology.

In the spotlight

Look at our other lighting products

Choose a luminaire

Choose outdoor light

Choose HUE

Questions about consumer lighting?

Call us

1300 304 404

We love your feedback

Tell us what you think of our website

Energize your home with Compact Fluorescent Light

History

How our CFL bulbs work

Choose CFL bulbs? We explain why

Find your Philips CFLi product

Popular products

FAQ

Need to know's

Need more help? Choose the right bulb

In the spotlight

Energize your home with

Compact Fluorescent Light