10-18-2008, 02:42 AM
Don't think a CFL will mind being used in either track lighting or in ceiling cans. Just don't dim them unless specifically made for it (along with a special dimmer switch for CFLs.)
Lumens from CFLs probably won't equal a halogen's, but because CFLs run cooler you can put a higher "wattage" bulb in there, such as "100w equivalent."
Or you can get by with a lower wattage CFL by avoiding the typical soft white kelvin temp. and using "Sunshine" or "Daylight" CFLs.
A "60w equivalent" "Sunshine" CFL with a color temp of about 3500 will appear to be giving you about as much light as a "75w equivalent" soft white CFL because the light will be more useable --- less yellowy and better for reading or doing task. But if you use a "Daylight" CFL the light may appear too cold and harsh. Part of this is psychological, because we do not traditionally expect to see anything but yellowy light from incandescent or halogen fixtures.
Lumens from CFLs probably won't equal a halogen's, but because CFLs run cooler you can put a higher "wattage" bulb in there, such as "100w equivalent."
Or you can get by with a lower wattage CFL by avoiding the typical soft white kelvin temp. and using "Sunshine" or "Daylight" CFLs.
A "60w equivalent" "Sunshine" CFL with a color temp of about 3500 will appear to be giving you about as much light as a "75w equivalent" soft white CFL because the light will be more useable --- less yellowy and better for reading or doing task. But if you use a "Daylight" CFL the light may appear too cold and harsh. Part of this is psychological, because we do not traditionally expect to see anything but yellowy light from incandescent or halogen fixtures.