Replacing energy-hogging incandescents with energy-saving fluorescents (CFLs) is a simple, effective way to slow the rate of global climate change while saving money.  It’s good for the environment, it’s economical, it’s efficient, and it’s easy.

Compact fluorescent bulbs are especially good for hard-to-reach or inconvenient places - particularly if these places are where the lights are on for a long period of time.   Let’s suppose a bulb is installed in a high ceiling light (not recessed or enclosed) that requires a ladder to reach.  CFLs are great for this if left on for an hour or more at a time.  CFLs used for short periods will not last their full rated life.  Suppose you have a hall light that is used for less than an hour at a time.  If you use a CFL and it lasts only half the rated life of 10,000 hours, it will only last 5,000 hours.  It is estimated that lights are on for 2000 hours a year.  That means the CFL would last 2.5 years.  Using incandescent light bulbs for the same 5000 hours, you would have to change the light at least 5 to 8 times.  By using a CFL, even with a reduced life, that is 5 to 8 times that someone did not have to get on a nearby chair or pull out a ladder to change blown out light bulbs.  There is also much less of a chance of an injury.

This also applies to areas like high garage ceilings.  However, note that CFLs do not perform well below 0º F.  They are slower to start up and get to full light levels when it is cold.  If you need dependable light levels in the cold of winter or it gets very cold where you work (Alaska or a freezer), either install brighter (higher wattage) CFLs than needed during the summer or don’t use CFLs.   Instead, it is suggested to use incandescents or halogen lights.   (Please note that the author  put CFLs in a Michigan garage four years ago (2000) and has had not had to replace them.  However, winter usage of the garage is limited, so bright light is not needed in the winter.)  Note that the Department of Energy states most CFLs do not produce enough light for ceilings above 12 feet.

Also, CFLs are typically cool to the touch.   That means there is not the fire concern that you would have with halogen lamps.  When one burns out, you can replace it without burning your fingers.  This also makes them safer for glass fixtures that are heat sensitive.