New labels on compact fluorescent light bulbs will help consumers understand the new lingo, according to this Federal Trade Commission factsheet I found via Consumerworld.org.

The iconic incandescent bulb may have changed the way the world works and plays, but illumination wasn't its main thing: those old filaments were pretty much small heaters that happened to make things brighter as a convenient side effect.

But they are huge energy hogs, which is why old-school incandescents were described by the number of watts they used.

Now, manufacturers measure the light output of energy-saving CFLs, halogens and LEDs using lumens. But it's probably going to take a while before we all become comfortable using that language, so the new labels will really help. They will also assist consumers compare the benefits of energy-efficient halogens and LEDs as they move into the market.

A 60-watt incandescent might only give off 800 lumens, but a CFL would only take 15 watts to produce that amount of light.

In addition, these new labels also describe the color range of the light --- some are warmer, similar to an incandescent, and some are cooler, like daylight --- as well as the estimated yearly cost and the expected life of the bulb.

One bonus to using CFLs: since they use so little energy, when replacing the bulb in a older lamp you probably won't come anywhere near its maximum wattage, even if you pick a bulb with a much higher light output.

HERE'S SOMETHING VERY IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER, THOUGH: not every bulb is meant to work in every light fixture.  If replacing a bulb in an outdoor fixture or one on a dimmer or three-way switch, be sure to buy a CFL designed for that purpose. Unlike the old incandescents, CFLs are more specialized and might cause a fire if you just use them willy-nilly.

Energystar.gov has a light bulb selection guide to help you choose.