As time goes by, I'm seeing more and more of the energy saving compact fluorescent bulbs installed in the homes I inspect. The prices have been steadily dropping on these bulbs to around $3.00 -$4.00 each at the large supercenters and big box hardware stores. But I see many cases where these are installed in fixtures with dimmer switches and do not operate correctly. Most people don't realize that you can't use the cheaper typical bulbs in light fixtures that have wall dimmer switches and three way switches and lamps. Most of the packaging on these bulbs state to not use these bulbs with dimmer switches, but who takes the time to read the instructions on a light bulb package! These bulbs are not designed to dim and the manufacture indicates that using these with dimmers can void the warranty....if you're honest enough to admit that you did it. However, they do make these fluorescent bulbs specifically designed for these applications. You just need to look at the packaging and they will be labeled "dimmable" or "three way". Expect to pay more, anywhere from $10.00 - $13.00 each.....ouch. Fortunately most homes don't have more that a few dimmers. When I was in Walmart last night, I did not see any of these. Lowes was next door and so I went in to see what they had. I could only find one dimmable bulb made to go in a hanging fixture at $12.47 and no 3 way bulbs at all. I can't believe they are not carrying more of these in stock, guess more people haven't asked. You can find these online, but personally I would worry about breakage during shipping.

I'm also enclosing a chart that compares the incandescent bulb sizes to the fluorescent bulbs.

• 20 watts incandescent = 5 watts compact fluorescent
• 28 watts incandescent = 7 watts compact fluorescent
• 36 watts incandescent = 9 watts compact fluorescent
• 40 watts incandescent = 10 watts compact fluorescent
• 52 watts incandescent = 13 watts compact fluorescent
• 60 watts incandescent = 15 watts compact fluorescent
• 75 watts incandescent = 20 watts compact fluorescent
• 100 watts incandescent = 26-29 watts compact fluorescent
• 150 watts incandescent = 38-42 watts compact fluorescent
• 250-300 watts incandescent = 55 watts compact fluorescent