I need help with...

Yes, the most common are 25-, 34- and 40-watt bulbs.

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Information in this document has been furnished by the North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) and associated contributors. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and safety. Neither NRHA, any contributor nor the retailer can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

The primary difference is in size; compact fluorescent bulbs are made in special shapes (which require special technologies) to fit in standard household light sockets, like table lamps and ceiling fixtures. In addition, most compact fluorescent lamps have an "integral" ballast that is built into the light bulb, whereas most fluorescent tubes require a separate ballast independent of the bulb. Both types offer energy-efficient light.

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and safety of this information. Neither Westlake nor any contributor can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

There are three-way CFL bulbs available for fixtures or lamps that require this feature. Make sure and check the packaging to determine if the bulb is intended for this use. Installing three-way CFLs can require extra effort since they can be slightly larger than their matching incandescents, but they use 1/3 as much energy. This specialty bulb usually comes in the “soft white” color temperature.

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and safety of this information. Neither Westlake nor any contributor can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

You will have to look at your transformer to determine what its maximum wattage is. Most bulbs are 4 watts, but they come in different wattages. You will have to add up what you are currently using.

Before installing the new lights, be sure that you follow the correct process. If you find that you are unable to install new lights, you may want to consider solar lights. Solar lights require no wiring and come in various designs.

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Information in this document has been furnished by the North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) and associated contributors. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and safety. Neither NRHA, any contributor nor the retailer can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

You’ll want to make sure that the cords are rated for outdoor use. Using a 14- or 16-gauge extension cord will ensure you have enough voltage. Be sure to plug all extension cords and outdoor electric decorations into outdoor receptacles with a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). These outlets shut off power when they detect a short circuit, which can help you avoid potential shocking and minimize the chance of fire.

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and safety of this information. Neither Westlake nor any contributor can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

You shouldn’t nail or staple lights to your roof, as this could damage both your lights and your roof. Instead, choose from a variety of clips, including shingle tabs (which slide under your shingles) and gutter clips (which are molded to fit your gutters).

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and safety of this information. Neither Westlake nor any contributor can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

It provides brighter, cleaner light. However, it consumes lots of electricity and gets very hot. You should ensure that it stays away from draperies, bedding, clothing and hanging plants. 

Remember to be safe if you choose to use a halogen bulb.

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Information in this document has been furnished by the North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) and associated contributors. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and safety. Neither NRHA, any contributor nor the retailer can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

Starting in 2012 packaging on energy-efficient bulbs will provide helpful information on how an energy efficient bulb’s light output compares to traditional incandescent light bulbs. Click here to view a watt to lumen comparison chart.

Packaging will include the number of lumens the bulb gives off and an estimate of how much money can be saved per year by using the bulb. Click here to view a sample package label.

If you want the equivalent light of a 100-watt bulb, look for a bulb that provides 1,600 lumens of light.

If you want the equivalent light of a 60-watt bulb, look for a bulb that provides 800 lumens of light.

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and safety of this information. Neither Westlake nor any contributor can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

The current 100-watt incandescent bulb is the equivalent of about 1600 lumens.

According to new U.S. energy efficiency requirements, beginning January 1, 2012, all across the nation, companies will no longer be able to sell or manufacture 100 watt light bulbs. You will no longer be able to find or buy 100 watt bulbs. Instead, the highest you will find is 72 watts. In addition to this change, you will now find that light bulbs will no longer be categorized by wattage, but rather by lumens. A 72 watt bulb will now be referred to as a “1,500 lumens bulb" or a “2,600 lumens bulb.” Here's a quick reference guide to see all bulb conversions.

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and safety of this information. Neither Westlake nor any contributor can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

Just like when you purchased traditional bulbs, you need to think about the style that fits in the fixture. For example, recessed cans require different bulbs than floor and table lamps.

You should also be aware of where you place bulbs in and around the house. Be careful when putting bulbs in areas where kids play around and can easily knock them over. Additionally, there are varied options for outdoor versus indoor lights.

There is a nice application at EnergyStar.gov to help you determine which bulb is right for you.

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and safety of this information. Neither Westlake nor any contributor can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

Keep in mind that CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury -- but it is less than 1/100th of the amount in a mercury thermometer. Because of that, there are some precautions that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests you take, including: air out the room for 5 - 10 minutes; scoop up broken pieces and powder with a stiff paper or cardboard and place in a sealed plastic bag; place debris outdoors in  trash container. For more details, click here. 

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and safety of this information. Neither Westlake nor any contributor can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

No. You want to be sure and only use lights outdoors that are labeled for indoor/outdoor use. Using indoor lights on the exterior of your house can blow a lot of fuses and even start a fire.

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and safety of this information. Neither Westlake nor any contributor can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

While the use or purchase of incandescent bulbs will not be banned, the U.S. Energy and Independence Act of 2007 does ban the sale and manufacturing of common household incandescent bulbs that are not energy-efficient. In an effort to help conserve energy, incandescent bulbs must now produce the same amount of lumens (light output) for less wattage (energy). The new legislation mandates that these incandescent light bulbs be replaced by a bulb that uses 30% less energy, but produces the same amount of light output.

As of January 1, 2012, the maximum wattage allowed will be 72 watts, meaning the 100 watt bulb will become obsolete. Over the next three years, all other wattages will reduce, as well. Refer to the Quick Reference Guide below to view the decreases in wattages, as well as the dates in which these changes will go into effect. 

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and safety of this information. Neither Westlake nor any contributor can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

Compact fluorescent light bulbs work best if they are left on for over 15 minutes each time they are turned on. These types of lamps can take up to 3 minutes to warm-up. Warm-up will probably not be noticeable from a user stand point, but the lamp needs to warm-up in order to reach the point of most efficient operation. Frequently switching them on and off will shorten the life of the product. If the life of the lamp is shortened significantly, you will not reap the financial benefits (includes energy & life of lamp), that are common to CFL lamps.

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and safety of this information. Neither Westlake nor any contributor can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.