CFLs come with a pretty long rated life, especially if you are buying a good brand. For instance, Sylvania, GE Lighting, TCP often come with an 8000+ hours rated life. That’s no guarantee however that the bulbs will last that long. However, you should get pretty close to the rated life if you:
- Use the bulb with the right type of switch. If it’s an on-off bulb, you should only use it in an on-off fixture
- You don’t flip the bulb on and off rapidly and continuously.
- You choose a good quality bulb. As mentioned, a with good brand the rated hours will be higher.