Dear Jim: I went to my home center store to get compact fluorescent bulbs because they save money and may help my children read and study better. How can I determine which are most economical and best for the kids? – Pat F.

Dear Pat: Many people know compact fluorescent lights save money, but are not aware of the other benefits of high-quality special compact fluorescent lights. You will probably want to buy different quality lights for various locations in your house. There are many shapes to fit any lamp or lighting fixture.

I have used standard compact fluorescent lights for years to save electricity, but I recently tested some of the new high-visual-acuity lights in my own home. I normally wear reading glasses, but I can often read under these new lights without my glasses. All compact fluorescent lights use about 75 percent less electricity than standard bulbs.

They also last 10 to 12 times longer than incandescent bulbs. With many standard compact fluorescent lights priced as low as $7 today, the lower bulb replacement cost is an additional savings. Over the life of a compact fluorescent light, the total savings can be $55 for each lamp.

The least expensive compact fluorescent lights are energy-efficient and acceptable lighting for hallways, closets and general lighting. These will have a color rendition index of about 60 to 70. The CRI rating indicates how true colors look under the light. The next level of compact fluorescent lights have a CRI of about 85. This is what you will generally find at home center stores.

The special compact fluorescent lights that make it easier to read without glare and to work with fine detail are often called full-spectrum because they simulate the sun. Check for this on the packaging. Their CRI is in the 93 to 96 range.

These full-spectrum bulbs produce a higher ratio of scotopic light to photopic light, similar to the sun. Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory has researched the effects of scotopic light on vision. This causes the pupil to close down, which reduces glare, increases focusing depth of field and reduces eyestrain for easier reading.

When selecting your compact fluorescent lights at the home center store, look for ones with integral electronic ballasts built into the base. The ballast controls the amount of electric current that flows through the bulb. Electronic ballasts reduce annoying flicker and any buzzing sounds.

If you have the lamp or light fixture on a dimmer switch, make sure to purchase dimmable compact fluorescent lights. Standard compact fluorescent lights will not operate if you attempt to dim them. There also are new three-way compact fluorescent lights that will fit in any lamp with a three-way socket. For lamps with a large shade, consider using a circular compact fluorescent light. These have separate electronic ballast bases, which last three times longer than the replaceable bulbs.

Write for (or instantly download – www.dulley.com) Update Bulletin No. 936 – buyer’s guide of compact fluorescent lights bulbs/fixtures (standard and full-spectrum), CRI light quality, ballast types, styles and a room-by-room lighting guide. Include $3 and a business-size SASE, and send to James Dulley, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244.