How Are Your CFL Bulbs Treating You?
Sep 21, 2012 – My CFL bulbs aren’t treating me well. We have 5 high-hat light fixture in our master bath. Previously, when a bulb blew, we replaced it with a new incandescent bulb from GE, Sylvania or another manufacturer. All the bulbs and their light looked the same and they went on instantaneously. This worked well even if the the outward technology [with apologies to the manufacturers] didn’t seem to have progressed far from the days of Thomas Edison. That does not happen with CFL bulbs. First, about 3 years ago I replaced the incandescent bulbs with CFL bulbs that said they were rated for 7 years. Why are they all breaking down after 3 years? Can I throw them in the trash? No. They have mercury in them. I have to bring them to Home Depot’s recycling bin. Can I just toss them in? No. If I do and the bin is fairly empty they will break when they crash at the bottom. A couple of the new bulbs took 3 to 4 minutes before they were bright. Brought them back to HD. Asked if they had “instant on” CFL bulbs. No. I then went to Lowe’s and they did have “instant on” CFL bulbs. More expensive than the slow ones. They work in this application. I replaced all 5 bulbs because they have a different light spectrum from the other CFL bulbs. Can I use these bulbs in a location with a dimmer switch? No. Can I use these bulbs in fixtures that are controlled by an electronic timer? No. Those bulbs are available for about twice the price. By the way, the new bulbs say they will last 11 years! I wrote the date on the base so I can see if they do. I hope the manufacturers will be able to reduce the price of LED bulbs. They are just too expensive for a whole house retrofit. They came down about 20% in price last year. Hopefully their price will come down rapidly. What has been your experience with CFL bulbs? Please leave your comments here.
2012-09-21 15:43:26
Source: http://www.greenenergyforearth.com/2012/09/21/how-are-your-cfl-bulbs-treating-you/
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Whistler Blowers, Insiders
they give off a horrible light and make me feel sick
the emf waves have not been studied by any reputable lab for harmful effects to humans
A compact florescent bulb in my garage door opener will not last a full month. Incandescent bulbs last for six months or more.
Sadly the commentary above agrees with our analysis of CFL’s in our bathroom. Open4Energy published a directive on how to save electricity, including a whole section on lighting.
http://open4energy.com/smart-ways-to-save-electricity
We were able to verify using a WattsUp monitor that the CFL’s we installed used only 25% of the electricity – and did enjoy the savings – it was not long before the reality of NOT using CFL’s for applications where the lights need to go on and off for short intervals proved correct. They soon took minutes to reach full intensity, which was more than annoying when visiting the bathroom late at night for a pressure break!
They have been replaced with LED’s – which work really well – and yes are an investment that will take a long time to recoup. But I enjoy them being there, the savings they create, and they cost a lot less than I spend at Starbucks on coffee.
I think it’s important to find the technology that is right for you. Yes, CFLs come with a bunch of “rules” to keep in mind, but in general, screwing in a light bulb is no longer a mindless task. With LEDs become more popular by the minute, and CFLs still on the scene, there is so much more that goes into a purchase. Prices for CFLs and LEDs are going down and the technology for both of them has improved over the years. The color temperature (Kelvin Scale) will commonly range from 2700K- 6500K. You will find CFLs covering the whole range and LEDs most commonly will be available in 2700K-4100K.
Most LEDs are now dimmable and with both it is important to find the product that is compatible with your dimmers/occ sensors/timers.
A reputable LED brand (ex. Philips) will do the trick. Sure they cost a bit more, but are worth it in the long run and in some cases there are rebates available.
Another option, while not as energy efficient is to try out Halogen Incandescents. They have the same a-style shape as the Edison bulbs, but with a halogen capsule inside. They are cool to the touch and about 28% more efficient than an incandescent.
(Yes, I work in lighting).
Over a year ago I layed in a supply of incandesent bulbs to last a good long while. I have almost 400 100-Watt light bulbs along with close to 500 smaller bulbs.
EPA mandates no more Incandesent bulbs – too bad. I already got mine!
Neiner, Neiner, Neiner.