This post has been updated from its original 2012 version.
Compact fluorescent lamps use significantly less energy than incandescent bulbs, and use energy to produce only light. In comparison, incandescents use a great deal of energy, with the majority of it being used to create heat. There are a variety of CFL bulbs available, with the GU24 base gaining in popularity. The 13w GU24 bulb is a great compact fluorescent replacement for 60 watt to 75 watt incandescent bulbs throughout the home.
When choosing to replace an incandescent light with a GU24 compact fluorescent, it is important to know a few basic facts about the bulb you are planning to buy. Let’s get into the major differences between these two types of bulbs.
Incandescent Bulbs
Energy used to create light: 10%
Energy used to create heat: 90%
Standard power used in a home: 60 watts to 75watts
Base type: Screw in, pin base
GU24 Bulbs
Energy used to create light: 100%
Energy used to create heat: 0%
Standard power used in a home: 13 watts
Base type: GU24
The GU24 base means the bulb has two pins protruding from the bottom that twist and lock only into a GU24 fixture. Also differing from incandescent lights is how light brightness is determined. The amount of light emitted from an incandescent bulb is determined by the amount of energy it uses. The brightness of a compact fluorescent GU24 is measured in lumens. This is how a 13w GU24 bulb with 950 lumens can replace a 60 watt incandescent bulb, and use approximately 78% less energy to do so.
How does the color temp work?
I have a “warm white (2700K)” GU24 bulb, but it is no where close to as bright as the 60W incandescent bulb.
Would a “cool white” GU24 be brighter?
Hello James. A cool white GU24 would definitely provide a brighter white color. The 2700K temperature gives off a more “orange/yellow” glow, whereas the 4100K comes off as “cool white.”
can a gu 24 be used in place of a gu 13. ?gail
Evidently, they’re not making the “cool white” bulb any longer. The soft white is too dim and the daylight is too bright. Bummer!