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Is it best to turn off my fixture with a CFL bulb, or should I leave it on when I leave the room?

Even when it is turned on and off frequently, a CFL still uses less energy than an incandescent bulb. Although there is a brief surve in energy use when a CFL is turned on, that surge usually lasts about one-tenth of a second and consumes about as much energy as five seconds of normal operation. But turning a CFL on and off more frequently will also shorten its life. It is generally recommended to use CFLs in areas where they are on for at least 15 minutes. This is where they will have the greatest impact and make the most economical sense.

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