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It is just to maximize the amount of tubing for gas, and thus maximum amount of light capable of being generated into the normal space of an incandescent light bulb. It does not have to be "swirly" to operate.
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoThe swirly light bulbs are compact fluorescent bulbs (CFB). the reason you "should" use them is because our legislators in all of their scientific and eco-friendly understanding are beginning to pass laws that ban incandescent bulbs (the roundy kind).
While CFB's do use less electircity, about 60% less on average compared to incandescents, they contain Mercury, a slightly smaller portion than is in the six-foot tubes used in schools and offices the world over. Consider also that in most municipalities, if a standard six-foot fluorescent tube breaks in a school or office, the organization must conduct HAZMAT operations to clean it up, an expensive endeavor at best.
So, break a bulb and spend several hundred dollars to clean it up. Or, spend several hundred dollars to power a different, less eco-dangerous light fixture.
Sort of a Sword of Damocles type of situation.
Or, you could put out a little more buying the bulb and purchase an LED that will use about 95% less power and you could carpet your house with and have little to no environmental impact.
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoThe amount of energy used is the greatest difference and what causes that difference is the way the light is generated. The "swirly" light bulb is using florescent technology to make light which is more efficient than the incandescent method used in standard light bulbs.
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Clear vs frosted light bulbs?
Those wanting softer, diffused light use frosted light bulbs. Clear bulbs give light that is brighter and suitable for everyday applications.
What light bulbs provide the most natural light?
Any natural light bulbs that use incandescent lighting will work well, and give off a rounder light than the "sterile white" lighting of normal bulbs.
What are the light bulbs that use a wire to conduct heat to male it glow?
It might be the energy saving bulbs.
Can you use carrots and onions to power light bulbs?
you can use an oingion but not a carrot
Is magnesium used in light bulbs?
There is no reason to use magnesium in light bulbs. Magnesium readily and easily catches fire and burns -- white hot.
What do light bulbs use for light?
to make light
What do you use light bulbs for?
to make light
What metal use the filaments in light bulbs?
Tungsten is used in filaments of light bulbs.
Why do people say that ordinary light bulbs aren't energy saving?
No light bulbs actually save energy, they use it to produce light. However energy efficient bulbs use less energy than the ordinary incandescent type. To my mind describing them as energy saving is wrong, they should be described as "lower energy" bulbs.
What should you do to save money on your electric bill?
You can buy the fluorescent light bulbs or tubes. They are the white ones. They use less energy that the yellow bulbs.
What are some examples of things that use light?
light bulbs
What are some ways to save energy with lamps?
You can save energy by using the most efficient bulbs (like the swirly looking ones). Shut lamps off when they're not needed. Use the lowest setting with 3-way bulbs.
Clear vs frosted light bulbs?
Those wanting softer, diffused light use frosted light bulbs. Clear bulbs give light that is brighter and suitable for everyday applications.
How much percent of the worlds electricity is from light bulbs?
None. Light bulbs use electricity, they do not create electricity.
Does a car use filament?
The light bulbs do.
Do televisions use light bulbs to work?
No
Which type of light bulbs use ¼ of the energy used by incandescent bulbs?
Incandescent bulbs use 75-100 watts. Fluorescent bulbs use around 10 watts. LED bulbs usually use 1 watt.
