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Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
Howdy, anyone here have any experience with Compact Fluorescent light
bulbs? My wife just had an Oprah moment and is singing their praises. http://www.servicelighting.com/catal...s-fluorescents I'm sure that there is an energy saving, not sure about the type of light - if its annoying to anyone etc. Thanks... |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
"BE" wrote in message ... Howdy, anyone here have any experience with Compact Fluorescent light bulbs? My wife just had an Oprah moment and is singing their praises. http://www.servicelighting.com/catal...s-fluorescents I'm sure that there is an energy saving, not sure about the type of light - if its annoying to anyone etc. Thanks... Sort of a cold light, but lamp shades tend to warm it a bit. And, if you have any digital timers for outdoor lights, check the instructions carefully. Some timers will self-destruct with compact fluorescents. |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
I recently replaced a few of my incandescents with the compact
fluorescent type and they put out the same amount of light. At first glance, the light appears to be more "yellow" than white, but I've gotten used to it after a day or two. The good thing is that it isn't the harsh "hard-white" light that's typically associated with fluorescents. No noticeable flicker that some fluorescents can do too. If the ratings on the bulb and EPA website are to be believed, it has the same light output as a 60W bulb, but only requires 14W to do so. So, it's a roughly a 60% savings per bulb. |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
"louie" wrote in message oups.com... I recently replaced a few of my incandescents with the compact fluorescent type and they put out the same amount of light. At first glance, the light appears to be more "yellow" than white, but I've gotten used to it after a day or two. The good thing is that it isn't the harsh "hard-white" light that's typically associated with fluorescents. No noticeable flicker that some fluorescents can do too. If the ratings on the bulb and EPA website are to be believed, it has the same light output as a 60W bulb, but only requires 14W to do so. So, it's a roughly a 60% savings per bulb. Mine have a cold color. What brand are you using? |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
BE,
I have used them for several years, indoors and outdoors. When installed indoors they take less than a second to come on. They start at about 80% brightness but reach full brightness in a minute or two. Outside it takes longer to reach full brightness when cold. I love them. They use a lot less electricity and last years. Stretch |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
On Thu, 27 Oct 2005 17:04:38 -0400, "BE" wrote:
Howdy, anyone here have any experience with Compact Fluorescent light bulbs? My wife just had an Oprah moment and is singing their praises. http://www.servicelighting.com/catal...s-fluorescents I'm sure that there is an energy saving, not sure about the type of light - if its annoying to anyone etc. Thanks... Do not install them in a wet environment ( bathroom) or installed upside down, or inside a globe. The electronic get too hot and will brun themselves out. I have them in my outdoor lights and they work great. Also through out the house. Tom |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
"BE" wrote in message ... Howdy, anyone here have any experience with Compact Fluorescent light bulbs? My wife just had an Oprah moment and is singing their praises. http://www.servicelighting.com/catalog_product_list.cfm?cat_num=020203&link_c=lig ht-bulbs-fluorescents I'm sure that there is an energy saving, not sure about the type of light - if its annoying to anyone etc. Three years ago we changed about 40 bulbs throughout the house with compact fluorescents, and only one has burnt out. The lights are instant-on, do not flicker, are a pleasing yellow-white light, and take less than 1/4 the juice to run, vs incandescents, so payout at two dollars a whack (common on-sale price) is impressively short.. You get the drift . . . .we've become total fans. Please be aware on the website you post, the prices shown at service lighting are outrageous. We pay about 2 bucks a bulb or less, when you get six packs, say, at Home Depot. Our local ACE hardware sells the same models for 6-8 bucks per bulb. Don't get it. Also, be aware that the "covered" bulbs have less light output, and heat up more. We always get the exposed spiral shaped compacts - the covered ones only for exterior exposed areas. |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
... "louie" wrote in message oups.com... I recently replaced a few of my incandescents with the compact fluorescent type and they put out the same amount of light. At first glance, the light appears to be more "yellow" than white, but I've gotten used to it after a day or two. The good thing is that it isn't the harsh "hard-white" light that's typically associated with fluorescents. No noticeable flicker that some fluorescents can do too. If the ratings on the bulb and EPA website are to be believed, it has the same light output as a 60W bulb, but only requires 14W to do so. So, it's a roughly a 60% savings per bulb. Mine have a cold color. What brand are you using? Yes, that's a good question. Do brands matter? Westinghouse, Panasonic, Sylvania, TCP etc.? |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
Trekking Tom wrote: Do not install them in a wet environment ( bathroom) or installed upside down, or inside a globe. The electronic get too hot and will brun themselves out. I have them in my outdoor lights and they work great. Also through out the house. ? I've had them in my bathrooms and upside down for three years with no problems, and the CFL FAQ at http://www.ci.fort-collins.co.us/uti...ng-faq.php#use says only this: "Are there any locations where CFL bulbs are NOT recommended? CFL bulbs are not the best choice for: * fixtures controlled by standard dimming controls; * fixtures controlled by certain types of electronic timers or photo-sensors; * tightly enclosed light fixtures, where heat from the lamp can be trapped (leading to early bulb failure); and * fixtures needing tight beam control (e.g. to highlight artwork)." And GE's site he http://www.gelighting.com/na/home_li...t.htm#enclosed says only: "Can I use a compact fluorescent light bulb in an enclosed light fixture? Compact fluorescent light bulbs may generally be used in enclosed fixtures as long as the enclosed fixture is not recessed. Totally enclosed recessed fixtures (for example, a ceiling can light with a cover over the bulb) create temperatures that are too high to allow the use of a compact fluorescent bulb." So... I'm not sure where you're getting the no-bathrooms and no-upside-down parts. -- Jennifer |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
I have not had luck... I keep wanting them to work so I keep trying
them.. but none seem to last more than 6 months in my applications all over the house. Regular bulbs at my house also tend to have a very short life... may be flaky power supply (although I can think of no reason for that.. I live in a suburb, and have never known of any problems with our power supply) or my personal theory, my rough and tumble kids tend to literally shake the house when they roughhouse... so I am wondering if that leads to shortened lamp life (that may explain fillament, but would excessive vibration effect the CF bulbs?) |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
"BE" wrote in message ... "Doug Kanter" wrote in message ... "louie" wrote in message oups.com... I recently replaced a few of my incandescents with the compact fluorescent type and they put out the same amount of light. At first glance, the light appears to be more "yellow" than white, but I've gotten used to it after a day or two. The good thing is that it isn't the harsh "hard-white" light that's typically associated with fluorescents. No noticeable flicker that some fluorescents can do too. If the ratings on the bulb and EPA website are to be believed, it has the same light output as a 60W bulb, but only requires 14W to do so. So, it's a roughly a 60% savings per bulb. Mine have a cold color. What brand are you using? Yes, that's a good question. Do brands matter? Westinghouse, Panasonic, Sylvania, TCP etc.? I would expect brand and price (in the same store of the same brand) to matter in respect to color and reliability. The major brands you listed are probably similar in reliability (color?) but there are also plenty of off brands especially at the lower price end. I get them for about $1 per bulb because the power company discounts them (according to sticker on the package) but these are not always in stock. |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
the compact flourescents are measured in kelvin, where for example
2700K gives you the soft warm incandescent-like color. higher numbers give you the cool white. we now avoid the dollar store bulbs with premature burnout. the next step in our future will be LED's. right now the replacement bulbs are pricey and not really ready for the home market. i predict a big future for the 3 watt and 5 watt luxeon bulbs now in flashlights. oudoor seasonal lighting and hallways indoors: since last year we have been using 100 bulbs to the string use only one watt total LED christmas lights from a wholesale club at $9.99 a string of 100 in either christmas colors or white. yes that's only 1 watt of ac for 100 led bulbs, but they appear faint or out in daylight when used outdoors. the newer brighter style of a brighter LED in limited supply at walmart gives a more satisfying illumination for a few watts of ac per 100 bulbs. we are using the new white string at a shadowy outdoor entranceway for additional illumination to find the door key. search also for reading at http://www.energystar.gov/ we are looking forward to using this free software to convert and compare our electricity KWH to natural gas therms. http://www.joshmadison.com/software/convert/ |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
My first batch of CFLs lasted 10 years. Some bulbs are still going strong.
They used to be ridiculously expensive. Recently stocked up at Albertsons a 3 bulbs for $ 1.00 (26/100 Watts). Threw out all incandescents except a few to use with dimmers. At the prices shown at servicelighting.com it would seemingly take a hundred years to see a measurable monetary benefit. -- Walter www.rationality.net - "BE" wrote in message ... Howdy, anyone here have any experience with Compact Fluorescent light bulbs? My wife just had an Oprah moment and is singing their praises. http://www.servicelighting.com/catal...s-fluorescents I'm sure that there is an energy saving, not sure about the type of light - if its annoying to anyone etc. Thanks... |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
In article ,
Doug Kanter wrote: Sort of a cold light, but lamp shades tend to warm it a bit. And, if you have any digital timers for outdoor lights, check the instructions carefully. Some timers will self-destruct with compact fluorescents. And most CFs will self destruct if used with a photo control. -- Rich Greenberg Marietta, GA, USA richgr atsign panix.com + 1 770 321 6507 Eastern time. N6LRT I speak for myself & my dogs only. VM'er since CP-67 Canines:Val, Red & Shasta (RIP),Red, husky Owner:Chinook-L Atlanta Siberian Husky Rescue. www.panix.com/~richgr/ Asst Owner:Sibernet-L |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
In article .com,
Jack wrote: I have not had luck... I keep wanting them to work so I keep trying them.. but none seem to last more than 6 months in my applications all over the house. Regular bulbs at my house also tend to have a very short life... may be flaky power supply (although I can think of no reason for that.. I live in a suburb, and have never known of any problems with our power supply) or my personal theory, my rough and tumble kids tend to literally shake the house when they roughhouse... so I am wondering if that leads to shortened lamp life (that may explain fillament, but would excessive vibration effect the CF bulbs?) Ask your local power company to check your voltage to see if it is higher than normal. When I first moved into my present house, bulbs were burning out quite rapidly. The power company sent someone to check, and told me "no problem found". But strangely enough, from then on bulbs lasted a lot longer. -- Rich Greenberg Marietta, GA, USA richgr atsign panix.com + 1 770 321 6507 Eastern time. N6LRT I speak for myself & my dogs only. VM'er since CP-67 Canines:Val, Red & Shasta (RIP),Red, husky Owner:Chinook-L Atlanta Siberian Husky Rescue. www.panix.com/~richgr/ Asst Owner:Sibernet-L |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
My TI solar calculator won't work with these bulbs. Wrong wavelength. So I
use double fixtures, one incandescent, one CFL and the calculator works ok. Bob "Walter R." wrote in message ... My first batch of CFLs lasted 10 years. Some bulbs are still going strong. They used to be ridiculously expensive. Recently stocked up at Albertsons a 3 bulbs for $ 1.00 (26/100 Watts). Threw out all incandescents except a few to use with dimmers. At the prices shown at servicelighting.com it would seemingly take a hundred years to see a measurable monetary benefit. -- Walter www.rationality.net - "BE" wrote in message ... Howdy, anyone here have any experience with Compact Fluorescent light bulbs? My wife just had an Oprah moment and is singing their praises. http://www.servicelighting.com/catal...s-fluorescents I'm sure that there is an energy saving, not sure about the type of light - if its annoying to anyone etc. Thanks... |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
On 27 Oct 2005 14:51:34 -0700, "Jennifer" wrote:
* fixtures controlled by certain types of electronic timers or photo-sensors; I'm using one with an electric timer, not an electronic one. But I thought both were either totally off or totally on. I don't see how they could damage the bulb. The electric one at least just has a mechanical switch controlled by a moving wheel. (Of course it's only been 2 weeks, one cycle per day.) Remove NOPSAM to email me. Please let me know if you have posted also. |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
On Thu, 27 Oct 2005 14:44:42 -0700, "Roger Taylor"
wrote: Three years ago we changed about 40 bulbs throughout the house with compact fluorescents, and only one has burnt out. The lights are instant-on, do not flicker, are a pleasing yellow-white light, I got a couple at a surplus store for 2 dollars a piece. I think they were the previous generation. Then two for a dollar each at a dollar store. Again, I think a previous generation. They have a blue white light. I wouldn't use them by themselves, because I think the frequency range is too narrow. Of course I'm thinking of other fluorescent lights that, for example, make someone look ugly when that is the only light. Incandescent lights have a wide range of frequencies. So I use one in a big room with an incandescnent light in the other fixture. - the covered ones only for exterior exposed areas. I found one that looks like a floodlight in the trash. The glass was broken, but I could just unscrew the whole cover and there was a regular coiled CF bulb underneath. Remove NOPSAM to email me. Please let me know if you have posted also. |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
I'm using one with an electric timer, not an electronic one.
But I thought both were either totally off or totally on. I don't see how they could damage the bulb. The electric one at least just has a mechanical switch controlled by a moving wheel. That's fine. What you want to avoid is anything where the power switching is done electronically like with a triac. Even that would probably be ok if you could be sure that it passed the full waveform when on but unless you put a scope on it you may not know. Light dimmers fall into this category...their dimming action is due to not passing the full waveform. Some but not all photoelectric switches work this way. I have one like that and it was notable for turning a lamp (regular incandescant) on and off gradually--as daylight changed--it dimmed the bulb up or down. I recently replaced it with one that was full on / full off with an internal relay. I suppose there may be some electronic timers designed specifically for incandescents lights that work the same way. But if the electronics drives a relay to do the actual switching, or certainly an electromechanical timer, will be just fine. |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
On 27-Oct-2005, "Walter R." wrote: Threw out all incandescents except a few to use with dimmers. You can get dimmable CFLs at many big box reno stores like Home Depot. Mike |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
On 27-Oct-2005, "BE" wrote: Yes, that's a good question. Do brands matter? Westinghouse, Panasonic, Sylvania, TCP etc.? You can get different colour CFLs from a single manufacturer. Basically, some give you the choice of whether you want a colder or warmer colour. Philips, for example, sells soft white and daylight versions. You can also get instant-on, dimmable, pot light replacements and others. Some electronic ballast versions can handle temperatures down to -29C and are suitable for outdoor use. There are many types and different features available. If you're close to a few big box reno stores, a visit and some reading of the fine print on the packaging can tell you a lot. Google as well. Mike |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
wrote:
PS. I have one in my barn that is on 24/7. It uses 9 watts. Just a dim light for my horses to see where they are at night. That uses 216 watts per day... You mean 9 watts of power x 24 hours = 216 Wh, ie 0.216 kWh of energy. (one of these days I am going to put a light sensor on that thing so it turns off during the day). A motion detector with incandescent bulbs might use less energy. Nick |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
Doug Kanter wrote: Mine have a cold color. What brand are you using? I think they're TCP. They are the spiral tube type. Sold in a 6-pack at that "Walmart of home improvement stores" ... Home Depot. I've not noticed any need for the bulb to warm up when first turned on - seems to be almost instantaneous. I'm sold on it. I'll be changing every bulb in the overhead lighting to these except, as I mentioned any specialty bulbs like vanity lighting and decorative bulbs. |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
wrote:
(one of these days I am going to put a light sensor on that thing so it turns off during the day). A motion detector with incandescent bulbs might use less energy. That would totally drive the horses bonkers... It doesn't bother ours. Then again, they are used to low-flying airplanes. What I need is a photocell, but it MUST be outside to work... You might look into X10 motion detector fixtures. Ours can send a signal at dawn and dusk. Perhaps some gadget can integrate that to inhibit an indoor X10 light during the day. Nick |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
"Steve Kraus" wrote in message nk.net... I'm using one with an electric timer, not an electronic one. But I thought both were either totally off or totally on. I don't see how they could damage the bulb. The electric one at least just has a mechanical switch controlled by a moving wheel. That's fine. What you want to avoid is anything where the power switching is done electronically like with a triac. Even that would probably be ok if you could be sure that it passed the full waveform when on but unless you put a scope on it you may not know. Light dimmers fall into this category...their dimming action is due to not passing the full waveform. Some but not all photoelectric switches work this way. I have one like that and it was notable for turning a lamp (regular incandescant) on and off gradually--as daylight changed--it dimmed the bulb up or down. I recently replaced it with one that was full on / full off with an internal relay. I suppose there may be some electronic timers designed specifically for incandescents lights that work the same way. But if the electronics drives a relay to do the actual switching, or certainly an electromechanical timer, will be just fine. That last sentence if dubious, although well intended. Intermatic makes a digital timer which uses a small relay to actually switch the light. The package says it's OK to use with compact fluorescent bulbs, but I had 3 of these timers go bad on me. The company said the relay was just too small for don't recall this part blah blah blah, and they wouldn't have it modified and ready for sale until next year. They ended up sending me a different model whose final switching stage is non-mechanical, and I'm back to using an incandescent bulb for my porch. If I had the time, I'd run a line to the cellar and install the old-style timer - the kind in the grey metal box with a wheel inside. Anyway, you have to check the instructions that come with a timer, and even then, it still may not work. |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
On Fri, 28 Oct 2005 04:20:25 GMT, Steve Kraus
wrote: I'm using one with an electric timer, not an electronic one. But I thought both were either totally off or totally on. I don't see how they could damage the bulb. The electric one at least just has a mechanical switch controlled by a moving wheel. That's fine. What you want to avoid is anything where the power switching is done electronically like with a triac. Even that would probably be ok if you could be sure that it passed the full waveform when on but unless you put a scope on it you may not know. Light dimmers fall into this category...their dimming action is due to not passing the full waveform. Thanks. I didn't know about the triac stuff etc. I guess I've never had one. Some but not all photoelectric switches work this way. I have one like that and it was notable for turning a lamp (regular incandescant) on and off gradually--as daylight changed--it dimmed the bulb up or down. I recently replaced it with one that was full on / full off with an internal relay. I suppose there may be some electronic timers designed specifically for incandescents lights that work the same way. But if the electronics drives a relay to do the actual switching, or certainly an electromechanical timer, will be just fine. Remove NOPSAM to email me. Please let me know if you have posted also. |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
"Roger Taylor" wrote in message . .. "BE" wrote in message ... Howdy, anyone here have any experience with Compact Fluorescent light bulbs? My wife just had an Oprah moment and is singing their praises. http://www.servicelighting.com/catalog_product_list.cfm?cat_num=020203&link_c=lig ht-bulbs-fluorescents I'm sure that there is an energy saving, not sure about the type of light - if its annoying to anyone etc. Three years ago we changed about 40 bulbs throughout the house with compact fluorescents, and only one has burnt out. The lights are instant-on, do not flicker, are a pleasing yellow-white light, and take less than 1/4 the juice to run, vs incandescents, so payout at two dollars a whack (common on-sale price) is impressively short.. You get the drift . . . .we've become total fans. Please be aware on the website you post, the prices shown at service lighting are outrageous. We pay about 2 bucks a bulb or less, when you get six packs, say, at Home Depot. Our local ACE hardware sells the same models for 6-8 bucks per bulb. Don't get it. Also, be aware that the "covered" bulbs have less light output, and heat up more. We always get the exposed spiral shaped compacts - the covered ones only for exterior exposed areas. There is one other thing to be aware of. Equivalent CF bulbs are quite a bit longer than their incandescent equivalents. This makes them impractical for wall sconces, because the tip of the bulp pokes out through the top (or bottom) of the sconces. Other than that, they work well. Call your electric company. The last time our power company had a sale on them, they cost a dollar apiece, and if you bought ten of a given wattage they tossed in two extras. I haven't tried any outside yet, but I'll give it a shot the next time a bulb goes. I did try one in a motion light once, and it flickered like a candle and never acheived full brightness. |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
I've been using them since they first came out, probably almost two
decades ago. They save a lot of electricity-- they use what, 1/6 of the electricity? Here in NY that's significant. I haven't noticed any color difference-- perhaps an artist might notice the difference but I have a friend who is an artist and he's never said anything about the lighting in my house. They last a LOT longer, so even at $6 a bulb (more than they cost now) they saved money-- both on lifespan and on electricity. And I don't think electricity is going to get cheaper over time... The previous generation of bulb took a few seconds to get started, got dimmer over time (but LONG after a regular bulb would have burned out and been replaced several times-- I still have a couple of the first generation bulbs in my basement because I'm too lazy to replace them, and they're 15+ years old), didn't work well in the cold and were bigger than regular bulbs. The current generation is about the same size, the color seems okay (maybe comparing the two you could tell the difference but you probably wouldn't notice if someone just switched your lights without telling you) and aren't too expensive. They also seem okay in the cold-- I put a one in my outdoor motion detector light and it's okay (it does take a second or two to get started when it's below 30 degrees; that's why the other bulb is incandescent). The only issue is that they won't work with dimmers or with switches such as X-10 that allow remote-control of lighting and can sense when lights are on/off. Oh, they also don't produce nearly as much heat-- so in the summertime they'll also save on air conditioning costs (and if you're thinking that in winter the heat isn't so bad, well, okay, they'll save you a BIT less money because heat is good, but the price you're paying for that bit of electric heat is quite high). Shaun Eli www.BrainChampagne.com Brain Champagne: Clever Comedy for the Smarter Audience (sm) and a thrifty person |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
"k" wrote in message ink.net... "Roger Taylor" wrote in message . .. "BE" wrote in message ... Howdy, anyone here have any experience with Compact Fluorescent light bulbs? My wife just had an Oprah moment and is singing their praises. http://www.servicelighting.com/catalog_product_list.cfm?cat_num=020203&link_c=lig ht-bulbs-fluorescents I'm sure that there is an energy saving, not sure about the type of light - if its annoying to anyone etc. Three years ago we changed about 40 bulbs throughout the house with compact fluorescents, and only one has burnt out. The lights are instant-on, do not flicker, are a pleasing yellow-white light, and take less than 1/4 the juice to run, vs incandescents, so payout at two dollars a whack (common on-sale price) is impressively short.. You get the drift . . . .we've become total fans. SNIP In my experience, they work very well and are much improved compared to 3-5 years ago. Buy the "Energy Star" labeled versions. Those types have gone through an evaluation process to make sure that they meet life, light output and color standards. Look at the lighting fixtures at www.lightingfortomorrow.com for some ideas about new lighting fixtures that are designed to use CFLs. TKM |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
"k" wrote in message ink.net... "Roger Taylor" wrote in message . .. "BE" wrote in message ... Howdy, anyone here have any experience with Compact Fluorescent light bulbs? My wife just had an Oprah moment and is singing their praises. http://www.servicelighting.com/catalog_product_list.cfm?cat_num=020203&link_c=lig ht-bulbs-fluorescents I'm sure that there is an energy saving, not sure about the type of light - if its annoying to anyone etc. Three years ago we changed about 40 bulbs throughout the house with compact fluorescents, and only one has burnt out. The lights are instant-on, do not flicker, are a pleasing yellow-white light, and take less than 1/4 the juice to run, vs incandescents, so payout at two dollars a whack (common on-sale price) is impressively short.. You get the drift . . . .we've become total fans. Please be aware on the website you post, the prices shown at service lighting are outrageous. We pay about 2 bucks a bulb or less, when you get six packs, say, at Home Depot. Our local ACE hardware sells the same models for 6-8 bucks per bulb. Don't get it. Also, be aware that the "covered" bulbs have less light output, and heat up more. We always get the exposed spiral shaped compacts - the covered ones only for exterior exposed areas. SNIP In my experience, they work very well and are much improved compared to 3-5 years ago. Buy the "Energy Star" labeled versions. Those types have gone through an evaluation process to make sure that they meet life, light output and color standards. Look at the lighting fixtures at www.lightingfortomorrow.com for some ideas about new lighting fixtures that are designed to use CFLs. TKM |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
TKM wrote:
"k" wrote in message ink.net... "Roger Taylor" wrote in message m... "BE" wrote in message ... Howdy, anyone here have any experience with Compact Fluorescent light bulbs? My wife just had an Oprah moment and is singing their praises. http://www.servicelighting.com/catalog_product_list.cfm?cat_num=020203&link_c=lig ht-bulbs-fluorescents I'm sure that there is an energy saving, not sure about the type of light - if its annoying to anyone etc. Three years ago we changed about 40 bulbs throughout the house with compact fluorescents, and only one has burnt out. The lights are instant-on, do not flicker, are a pleasing yellow-white light, and take less than 1/4 the juice to run, vs incandescents, so payout at two dollars a whack (common on-sale price) is impressively short.. You get the drift . . . .we've become total fans. Please be aware on the website you post, the prices shown at service lighting are outrageous. We pay about 2 bucks a bulb or less, when you get six packs, say, at Home Depot. Our local ACE hardware sells the same models for 6-8 bucks per bulb. Don't get it. Also, be aware that the "covered" bulbs have less light output, and heat up more. We always get the exposed spiral shaped compacts - the covered ones only for exterior exposed areas. SNIP In my experience, they work very well and are much improved compared to 3-5 years ago. Buy the "Energy Star" labeled versions. Those types have gone through an evaluation process to make sure that they meet life, light output and color standards. Look at the lighting fixtures at www.lightingfortomorrow.com for some ideas about new lighting fixtures that are designed to use CFLs. TKM i found that topbulb.com has a nice supply and varieties, at least a year ago. they have a high kelvin rating for natural or white light(which i prefer, i do not like the yellow light). |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
On 29-Oct-2005, "TKM" wrote: Look at the lighting fixtures at www.lightingfortomorrow.com for some ideas about new lighting fixtures that are designed to use CFLs. Interesting - but the designs can't use the screw-in CFLs (which are easy to find in stores) but must use pin-type CFLs which are a tad harder to find. I guess they are trying to prevent folks from buying the fixtures and then screwing in a standard incandescent bulb. Mike |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
"Michael Daly" wrote in message ... On 29-Oct-2005, "TKM" wrote: Look at the lighting fixtures at www.lightingfortomorrow.com for some ideas about new lighting fixtures that are designed to use CFLs. Interesting - but the designs can't use the screw-in CFLs (which are easy to find in stores) but must use pin-type CFLs which are a tad harder to find. I guess they are trying to prevent folks from buying the fixtures and then screwing in a standard incandescent bulb. Mike That's right. If you install a light fixture designed only for CFLs, then it should not accept lamps with screw bases since then incandescent lamps could be substituted and the fixture may not be designed to safely take the higher heat. Also, some electric utilities pay rebates for installing energy-efficient CFL fixtures. They typically won't rebate a fixture that can be retrofitted with incandescent bulbs. Energy Star approved CFL fixtures require that the proper CFL lamp now be packed with the fixture. Maybe by the time that lamp burns out, (typically 10,000 hours) pin-base CFLs will be easier to find. TKM |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
On 30-Oct-2005, "TKM" wrote: Energy Star approved CFL fixtures require that the proper CFL lamp now be packed with the fixture. Maybe by the time that lamp burns out, (typically 10,000 hours) pin-base CFLs will be easier to find. I know that you can get almost any pin-type CFL (including some really bright ones like equivalent to 150W incandescent) at electrical suppliers (those that usually deal with contractors and large-building maintenance companies). But it's a lot easier to deal with the more common big-box reno stores. It's about time that we can get fixtures specifically designed for CFLs. I've been annoyed for years that many standard fixtures don't fit the screw-in CFLs very well - they either assume the base is small close to the threaded part and don't clear the ballast or don't provide clearance for taller CFLs. Mike |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
Michael Daly wrote:
On 30-Oct-2005, "TKM" wrote: Energy Star approved CFL fixtures require that the proper CFL lamp now be packed with the fixture. Maybe by the time that lamp burns out, (typically 10,000 hours) pin-base CFLs will be easier to find. I know that you can get almost any pin-type CFL (including some really bright ones like equivalent to 150W incandescent) at electrical suppliers (those that usually deal with contractors and large-building maintenance companies). But it's a lot easier to deal with the more common big-box reno stores. It's about time that we can get fixtures specifically designed for CFLs. I've been annoyed for years that many standard fixtures don't fit the screw-in CFLs very well - they either assume the base is small close to the threaded part and don't clear the ballast or don't provide clearance for taller CFLs. Mike I just replaced one of those "7-year" CFL bulbs (44W). It failed after only 18 months, but what the heck, I only paid $2 for it at one of HD's sidewalk sales. Out of curiosity, I pulled the base apart to see what the Chinese put into these things. There were eight, hand-soldered wires from the four tubes that ended on a round electronic ballast circuit board. The board has four coils/transformers, nine capacitors, a few resistors, and two transistors. All of the components were average quality, and I can see now why these ballasts fail at high temperatures. These parts were never intended for use at extreme temperatures, and even a little moisture from condensation would short something out if the lamp were started cold. It would make sense to put more money into the quality of the ballast electronics and use pin-type, replaceable lamps instead of the throw-away crappola currently used in the screw-base CFL bulbs. |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
On 30-Oct-2005, Tim Killian wrote: It would make sense to put more money into the quality of the ballast electronics and use pin-type, replaceable lamps instead of the throw-away crappola currently used in the screw-base CFL bulbs. Absolutely true, but a tad pricey if all you want is to replace the bulb in a lamp. If you are remodeling a house/room, doing it with pin type certainly makes sense. Mike |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
Michael Daly wrote:
On 30-Oct-2005, Tim Killian wrote: It would make sense to put more money into the quality of the ballast electronics and use pin-type, replaceable lamps instead of the throw-away crappola currently used in the screw-base CFL bulbs. Absolutely true, but a tad pricey if all you want is to replace the bulb in a lamp. If you are remodeling a house/room, doing it with pin type certainly makes sense. Mike Another issue I see with the screw-in CFLs is the way heat is dissipated. As long as the bulb is above the base, heat from the ballast circuit board will rise up and away from the components. Mounted in any other position, heat will soak the circuit board and could cause to premature failure. The circuit board I took out had one, large electrolytic capacitor mounted on long leads to put it toward the base end of the lamp. These capacitors tend to dry out and become useless if they're exposed to heat, and that's probably why the Chinese tried to locate it away from the other components on the board. Overall, quite a kludge -- I'm surprised UL approves these things. |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
Brands matter a lot, both in terms of actual lumen output and in
terms of bulb life. Lights of America is the biggest offender, at least based upon my direct experiences, those of friends, and the testers at Consumers' Union (ie, Consumer Reports). The folks at LOA are aware that the word is getting out about the poor quality of their products, so they have resorted to marketing many of their products under pseudonyms. Check the back of the package on many low cost off-brands and you are likely to read that the manufacturer is actually LOA. All brands of bulbs start off dim & yellow, especially in cold applications such as garages or outdoors. But I've been extremely happy with them once they warm up. We buy the 60w and 100w equivalents at Sam's Club in 6 packs, and we purchase the bigger, 200w equivalents at Walmart. We've got some of the extremely low power lights and I believe those were bought at Sam's Club in 3 packs. I believe that the most recent 6 packs of 100w equivalents that we purchased at Sam's Club cost $15.50, give or take a few cents. I'm also fairly certain that the 200w equivalents are $8.88 each at Walmart. Unfortunately, the purchase price per watt tends to be disproportionately high for both the low output lights and the high output lights. For many of our table lamps we have been able to install one or more "Y" adapters so that we can install multiple 100w equivalent bulbs. Full spectrum bulbs are also more expensive at all output levels, but some folks that I know feel that the natural light is worth the extra cost. The bulbs are reported to be very effective in treating season depression in some people, but I've also heard that large doses of vitamin D are equally effective. In addition to the savings in direct energy consumption, there are other advantages to the CFs. One is the fact that they produce a lot less heat, which is important for those of us who run the AC much of the year. Another advantage is the fact that lamp sockets and wiring last a lot longer since the fixture is carrying about 75% less current. One warning: The CFs emit a considerable amount of stray RF noise, so nearby electronics such as radios may be negatively impacted. I don't have a wireless LAN setup, but I would imagine that CFs could cause interference for some folks' wireless Internet systems at home. Good luck, Gideon ============================ BE wrote Yes, that's a good question. Do brands matter? Westinghouse, Panasonic, Sylvania, TCP etc.? |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
We had problems with installation orientation when we first purchased
Lights of America bulbs. Some burned out in just a few hours use upside down. We've had no problems with any other brand. Gideon ============== Trekking Tom wrote Do not install them in a wet environment ( bathroom) or installed upside down, or inside a globe. The electronic get too hot and will brun themselves out. I have them in my outdoor lights and they work great. Also through out the house. |
Compact Fluorescent light bulbs?
I agree that fixtures should be more "CF friendly." But I should point out
that we've had good luck with some "unfriendly" fixtures by purchasing socket extenders, which are very easy to find and rather inexpensive. Gideon ================= Michael Daly wrote It's about time that we can get fixtures specifically designed for CFLs. I've been annoyed for years that many standard fixtures don't fit the screw-in CFLs very well - they either assume the base is small close to the threaded part and don't clear the ballast or don't provide clearance for taller CFLs. Mike |
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