Just Ask

Q: I’m thinking about buying some compact fluorescent light bulbs, but I’m concerned that they will have harsh light quality. Is this an issue?
- Marissa M., Cedar Rapids, IA

A: Not anymore. When compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) first came into the marketplace, they had a light quality that was a bit harsh for most homes. The light shed was much like the light you see in offices that use fluorescent lighting. But over the years, the light quality of CFLs has dramatically improved. In fact, if you put an incandescent light bulb and a soft white CFL next to each other and turned them on, you would be hard-pressed to detect the difference. The key words to look for when shopping are “soft white”. Also, make sure that you’re not buying a CFL that’s too high in wattage.

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