Compact fluorescent bulbs are especially good for hard-to-reach or inconvenient places - particularly where the lights are on for long periods of time.   CFLs used for very short periods will not last their full rated life.  It may still be worth using CFLs.  For this example, let's say a high ceiling hall light that requires a ladder to reach is used for less than 15 minutes at a time.  If you used a CFL, and it lasts only half the rated life of 10,000 hours, it lasts 5,000 hours.  It's estimated that the lights are on for 2000 hours a year.  That means the CFL would last 2.5 years.  Using incandescent light bulbs for the same 5000 hours, you'd have to change the light at least 5 to 8 times.  By using a CFL, even with a reduced life, that's 5 to 8 times someone didn't have to get on a nearby chair or pull out a ladder to change out blown light bulbs.  There's also that much less a chance of an injury.

This also applies to areas like high garage ceilings.  However, note that CFLs do not perform well below 0º F.  They are slower to get to full light levels when it is cold.  If you need dependable light levels in the cold of winter, or it gets very cold where you work (Alaska or a freezer) either install brighter (higher wattage) CFLs than needed during the summer, or have one light that is not CFL to provide immediate lighting or don't use CFLs.  Instead, you can use incandescents, halogen or LED lights.    Note that the Department of Energystates most CFLs do not produce enough light for ceilings above 12 feet.  However, there are new ones specifically designed for high ceilings.

Note also that CFLs are cooler to the touch.  That means they do not have the fire concern that there is with halogen lamps.  This also makes them safer for glass shades, window drapes and fixtures that are heat sensitive.