GE CFL Bulb Specs

• The GE CFL light bulb saves energy. Buena Vista Images/Digital Vision/Getty Images

  GE compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs use lower wattage while providing the same light intensity. They also last significantly longer and use up to 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs. They are relatively new to the market and GE will likely offer a greater variety as consumers become more aware of their benefits.

GE Daylight Energy Smart Spiral T2 (Mini Bulb)

• This bulb screws into most U.S. light fixtures. It uses 10 watts and has a rated life of 12,000 hours. The initial lumens rating is 580; this means the initial light output of the bulb is equal to 580 candles. Color temperature is 2700 Kelvin; this a measure of the balance of color emitted by the bulb. Color rendering index is 82; this is a measure of the quality of light. The bulb is Energy Star qualified, meaning it is proven to save energy. This bulb is equivalent to a 40-watt incandescent bulb, and as of October 2010, it retails for around $7 per bulb.

GE Soft Daylight Energy Smart Spiral T3 (Equivalent to 60w)

• This bulb firts most U.S. light fixtures. It uses 15 watts and has a rated life of 10, 000 hours. The initial lumens rating is 580---the equivalent to 580 candles. The color temperature is 2700K and the color rendering index is 82. This bulb is Energy Star qualified and is rated to last 12 times longer than a 60-watt incandescent soft light bulb or up to six years. As of October 2010, this bulb retails for about $15 per eight-pack.

GE Soft White Energy Smart Spiral T3 (equivalent to 100w)

• This bulb screws into most U.S. light fixtures, uses 26 watts and has a rated life of 12,000 hours. It has an initial lumens of 580, its color temperature is 2,700K and it has a color rendering index of 82. The bulb is Energy Star qualified and rated to last 10 times longer than a regular incandescent 100-watt light bulb, or up to five years. As of October 2010, it is priced around $16 per six-pack.

GE Double Tube 4-pin Base CFL Bulb

• This bulb has a four-pin fitting and is designed for use in especially high-output lamps and appliances such as those used in laboratories; it is not spiral. The color temperature is 4,100K, which is the feature that makes this bulb's high light output. Other features are much the same as the spiral bulbs---it has a color rendering index of 82, uses 13 watts and lasts for up to 12,000 hours. The bulb is priced around $7 each as of October 2010.