Borrowed straight from Wikipedia: "CFLs use less power (typically one fifth) and have a longer rated life (six to ten times average). In most countries, a CFL has a higher purchase price than an incandescent lamp, but can save over five times its purchase price in electricity costs over the lamp's lifetime."
Other perks relating to these bulbs are the fact that you can purchase them in several color temperatures -- they can supply you with the best "soft white" light that you can find. (No tinting everything yellow, unless you want to!)
But if those aren't good enough reasons -- if you have any lights that are an absolute pain in the butt to change; you know, the ones that require ladders or precariously balancing on the edge of chairs in order to be reached -- well these bulbs will last longer, which means you won't have to inconvenience yourself as often!
Now, as with most things, there is also a disadvantage that you should know about. All florescent light-bulbs contain mercury. Some, like the ones labelled eco-friendly, can contain as little as 1 mg -- but it's still in vapor form, and still not good for you! If you use these bulbs you should be extra careful not to break them, and of course, dispose of them properly when their extra-long lifespan is up!
Note: If you live in Canada, Home Depot has started a recycling program for these bulbs. There should be a bin in every Home Depot where you can drop off your burnt out CFL bulbs!
So should you use them? As long as you are mindful of what you are dealing with, and dispose of them properly; this bulb will not only save you money, but will have less of an impact on the environment than your regular bulbs.
The choice is completely yours!
Off-topic, but oh so cool:
Photos via gilliu00_, Anton Fomkin and Repoort
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