Säästölamppus

Säästölamppus, also known as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), are a type of energy-efficient lighting that was widely adopted as an alternative to incandescent bulbs. They operate by passing an electric current through a tube containing argon and a small amount of mercury vapor. This causes the mercury vapor to emit ultraviolet (UV) light, which then strikes a phosphor coating on the inside of the tube. The phosphor coating absorbs the UV light and re-emits it as visible light.

The primary advantage of säästölamppus is their energy efficiency. They consume significantly less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs to produce the same amount of light, leading to lower energy bills and reduced carbon emissions. This efficiency also translates to a longer lifespan, meaning säästölamppus need to be replaced much less frequently than incandescent bulbs.

However, säästölamppus do have some drawbacks. They contain a small amount of mercury, which is a hazardous substance. While the amount is minimal and generally safe during normal use, proper disposal is important to prevent mercury release into the environment. Säästölamppus can also take a short time to reach their full brightness, and some people have reported sensitivity to the light they produce, particularly in early models. Their cost was also initially higher than incandescent bulbs, though this difference diminished over time. Due to the development of even more efficient LED lighting, the prevalence of säästölamppus has declined in recent years.