Many hotels have replaced inefficient incandescent light bulbs with energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) to increase profitability through reduced operating expenses and to increase their environmental stewardship. While this is certainly a great step in the right direction, some hotel operators have experienced a few guest complaints about the new light bulbs. Here’s a list of what to look for in a CFL to maximize energy savings and keep guests comfortable.
Warm-Up Time – All CFLs require a short period of time to reach their full brightness, but some take longer than others. To keep guests comfortable, choose a CFL that warms up to full brightness in 30 seconds or less, like Neolite CFLs. The light will be shining with its full light output by the time your guests hang up their coats in the closet.
Size – Choose CFLs with a small, compact size that fits discreetly inside your light fixtures and table lamps. Big, bulky CFLs will stick out of the lamp shade and create an unsightly appearance that will give guests a negative impression about your hotel. Choose CFLs that are five inches or shorter to make sure they fit inside your fixtures.
3-Way Fixtures – Only CFLs that are specifically designated as 3-way CFLs will operate properly in a 3-way fixture to provide low, medium, and high light output settings. Standard CFLs will not turn on until the third click of the lamp switch, which can annoy guests. Use 3-way CFLs in 3-way fixtures to keep guests comfortable and allow them to choose their desired level of light output.
Dimmable Fixtures – Only CFLs that are specifically designated as dimmable CFLs will operate properly in dimmable fixtures. Standard CFLs will flicker and burn out if they are placed on a dimmer switch. Prevent guest complaints by using dimmable CFLs in dimmable fixtures.
Color Temperature – This is the color of light that the CFL emits. CFLs that have a 2700K-3000K color temperature provide a soft, warm white color that is similar to incandescent lighting, so the light will look just like what your guests have at home.
Shape – CFLs are now made in a variety of familiar shapes, such as the general A bulb, globes, reflectors, and candle bulbs. Because they are the same size and shape as incandescent light bulbs, they will be sure to fit inside your existing fixtures and maintain your hotel’s décor.
Instant-On – Some CFLs experience a delay when the light switch is flipped before the light appears. This can annoy some of your guests and cause them to complain about your guest room lighting. Be sure to find a CFL that has instant-on technology, so that the light will illuminate instantly when the switch is turned on.
Thinking about these light bulb characteristics will help you choose the best CFL for your hotel and keep your guests comfortable.