Comments on: Five Reasons To Try Out A CFL Today http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:44:30 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: David P. http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/comment-page-1/#comment-403195 David P. Mon, 27 Oct 2008 06:52:01 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/#comment-403195 CFLs are made to burn a little at the base when they burn out. This disipates the heat without causing a fire. Thus this smoke is a sign that the bulb is working as it is supposed to. Do not use CFLs in recessed and covered lighting as the heat can cause melting of the receptacle. CFLs are made to burn a little at the base when they burn out. This disipates the heat without causing a fire. Thus this smoke is a sign that the bulb is working as it is supposed to. Do not use CFLs in recessed and covered lighting as the heat can cause melting of the receptacle.

]]> By: Vaughn MacKenzie http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/comment-page-1/#comment-211857 Vaughn MacKenzie Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:03:57 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/#comment-211857 After switching to CFLs nearly as soon as they began to come out, I am finding they DO NOT LAST anywhere near as long as they're touted to. I write the dates on them when installed and am finding they last an average of 1-1.5 years, or about 50% longer than incandescents. Then I had a scary experience where one shorted out and nearly caught on fire before I discovered it. It was rolling out smoke and fortunately I was home when it happened. It was in a lamp shade (you're supposed to use them only in ventilated fixtures). I posted this experience on a blog and had several others report similar incidents of CFLs shorting out and smoking. After switching to CFLs nearly as soon as they began to come out, I am finding they DO NOT LAST anywhere near as long as they’re touted to. I write the dates on them when installed and am finding they last an average of 1-1.5 years, or about 50% longer than incandescents.

Then I had a scary experience where one shorted out and nearly caught on fire before I discovered it. It was rolling out smoke and fortunately I was home when it happened. It was in a lamp shade (you’re supposed to use them only in ventilated fixtures). I posted this experience on a blog and had several others report similar incidents of CFLs shorting out and smoking.

]]> By: umopapisdn http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/comment-page-1/#comment-91795 umopapisdn Mon, 22 Oct 2007 17:42:52 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/#comment-91795 You can get 60 watt equivalent CFLs for $1.39 at this site: http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=24046 This is the regular price, not just a temporary sale price. You can get 60 watt equivalent CFLs for $1.39 at this site:

http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=24046

This is the regular price, not just a temporary sale price.

]]> By: Marilyn G http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/comment-page-1/#comment-67844 Marilyn G Fri, 07 Sep 2007 17:14:53 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/#comment-67844 I have an enclosed fixture that says it will accept no more than a 60 watt bulb. Would it be acceptable to put in a larger CFL bulb? I have an enclosed fixture that says it will accept no more than a 60 watt bulb. Would it be acceptable to put in a larger CFL bulb?

]]> By: Matt http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/comment-page-1/#comment-50964 Matt Sat, 28 Jul 2007 00:23:40 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/#comment-50964 I just started using them in our home and I have a couple of questions/observations: Many of our lights rely on the round bulb shape to hold the lampshade. I haven't tried a CFL in these lights. Any suggestions? The ballast, just above the screw, widens out too quickly for two of our lights. Any creative solution such as an extender? Other than those concerns, the color of the light looks great. Very pleased. GE brand, haven' tried any of the others yet. I just started using them in our home and I have a couple of questions/observations:

Many of our lights rely on the round bulb shape to hold the lampshade. I haven’t tried a CFL in these lights. Any suggestions?

The ballast, just above the screw, widens out too quickly for two of our lights. Any creative solution such as an extender?

Other than those concerns, the color of the light looks great. Very pleased. GE brand, haven’ tried any of the others yet.

]]> By: Carl http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/comment-page-1/#comment-48695 Carl Fri, 20 Jul 2007 18:29:39 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/#comment-48695 CFLs have lots of good things going for them, but there is one issue that is largely overlooked in all the discussions that I have seen: Many CFLs produce light of a gastly color that makes your room look like a tomb and your face look like a zombie. Your girlfriend will find reasons not to stay at your apartment after she sees that. The makers need to do a much better job of producing CFLs that produce light in a friendly color. CFLs have lots of good things going for them, but there is one issue that is largely overlooked in all the discussions that I have seen: Many CFLs produce light of a gastly color that makes your room look like a tomb and your face look like a zombie. Your girlfriend will find reasons not to stay at your apartment after she sees that. The makers need to do a much better job of producing CFLs that produce light in a friendly color.

]]> By: Brian http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/comment-page-1/#comment-44255 Brian Sun, 08 Jul 2007 19:00:21 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/#comment-44255 A bit much pro CFL here for my liking... I'll install CFLs regularly when I can *consistently buy ones that have warm up times of under a minute * consistently find models that don't whine after only a year. * consistently get CFLs in various small form factors like desk lights * and when I can purchase ones that don't flicker Proponents of CFLs tell me that they I can find lights that meet all of those requirements. The couple of times I have found acceptable brands, the brand becomes no longer available or the brand changes it's design and becomes not acceptable. I do not find fun or entertaining the prospect of buying a bunch of different brands at different stores (and attempting to go about returning the ones I don't like) until I find a brand I am willing to live with. Until that point, I'll use high quality electric ballast regular fluorescents, and nice high quality incandescents everywhere else. A bit much pro CFL here for my liking…

I’ll install CFLs regularly when I can
*consistently buy ones that have warm up times of under a minute
* consistently find models that don’t whine after only a year.
* consistently get CFLs in various small form factors like desk lights
* and when I can purchase ones that don’t flicker

Proponents of CFLs tell me that they I can find lights that meet all of those requirements. The couple of times I have found acceptable brands, the brand becomes no longer available or the brand changes it’s design and becomes not acceptable. I do not find fun or entertaining the prospect of buying a bunch of different brands at different stores (and attempting to go about returning the ones I don’t like) until I find a brand I am willing to live with.

Until that point, I’ll use high quality electric ballast regular fluorescents, and nice high quality incandescents everywhere else.

]]> By: Bill K http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/comment-page-1/#comment-42350 Bill K Tue, 03 Jul 2007 19:28:07 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/#comment-42350 I love my CFL's. So far my favorite brand is NVision, which is sold at Home Depot. I've been less impressed with GE and Phillips, but they've all worked well so far. I've also installed a programmable thermostat, and use it M-F to let the house go above 77 (my normal setting here in Tallahassee's summers). Between the CFL's and my thermostat, the difference was 1093 kilowatt hours in June '06 vs. 727 in June '07. Pretty great if you ask me! I love my CFL’s. So far my favorite brand is NVision, which is sold at Home Depot. I’ve been less impressed with GE and Phillips, but they’ve all worked well so far.

I’ve also installed a programmable thermostat, and use it M-F to let the house go above 77 (my normal setting here in Tallahassee’s summers). Between the CFL’s and my thermostat, the difference was 1093 kilowatt hours in June ‘06 vs. 727 in June ‘07. Pretty great if you ask me!

]]> By: pam http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/comment-page-1/#comment-42259 pam Tue, 03 Jul 2007 16:03:41 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/#comment-42259 Check out snopes regarding the incident in Maine: http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/cfl.asp While true, even the officials in Maine downplay the cleanup requirements. However, I will keep CFL's out of my children's rooms. Check out snopes regarding the incident in Maine:

http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/cfl.asp

While true, even the officials in Maine downplay the cleanup requirements. However, I will keep CFL’s out of my children’s rooms.

]]> By: Louise http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/comment-page-1/#comment-42257 Louise Tue, 03 Jul 2007 15:57:16 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/#comment-42257 The only CFLs I have bought have been from Aldi stores and I have never noticed a dimness or had to wait for them to become bright. I've also never needed to replace one, but I've only been using them for about a year. The only CFLs I have bought have been from Aldi stores and I have never noticed a dimness or had to wait for them to become bright. I’ve also never needed to replace one, but I’ve only been using them for about a year.

]]> By: Mike http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/comment-page-1/#comment-42234 Mike Tue, 03 Jul 2007 14:26:16 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/#comment-42234 You forgot one other significant benefit of CFLs: less heat generation. It becomes much more noticeable in a small space like a closet. But considering how hot incandescents get (try touching a 150 watt bulb that has been burning for an hour), imagine how much heat they are generating inside your house, making your A/C run more frequently. And don't forget about fire hazards: I seriously doubt a CFL would accidentally ignite a stray piece of fabric. You forgot one other significant benefit of CFLs: less heat generation. It becomes much more noticeable in a small space like a closet. But considering how hot incandescents get (try touching a 150 watt bulb that has been burning for an hour), imagine how much heat they are generating inside your house, making your A/C run more frequently. And don’t forget about fire hazards: I seriously doubt a CFL would accidentally ignite a stray piece of fabric.

]]> By: Cheryl http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/comment-page-1/#comment-42212 Cheryl Tue, 03 Jul 2007 13:03:27 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/#comment-42212 I made the switch when I found them on the clearance shelf at my local Target! I paid less than a dollar a bulb! I made the switch when I found them on the clearance shelf at my local Target! I paid less than a dollar a bulb!

]]> By: Rosie http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/comment-page-1/#comment-42201 Rosie Tue, 03 Jul 2007 12:43:41 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/#comment-42201 Have been gradually converting to CFLs for 7 or more years now. IKEA sells them cheap, and often on promotional sale. Signs in the stores encourage recycling and say they will accept them back for recycling. This is good, since my major city just this summer FINALLY started accepting them with hazardous and electronic waste. I've had two burn out so far. My change over has been gradual because of the cost, size and wattage issues. The first ones were two tall to fit some of my lamps and recepticles. As different sizes, shapes and wattages have come out, I'm finding more to fit. Even replaced my candleabra bulbs with similar shaped CFLs. Pay attention to the style of the bulb. A bulb marked "bright white" and a bulb marked "soft white" look very different in effect, and under your lampshade. Early on, I read that CFLs will not perform best in recepticals that hang the bulb upside down. This proved true (at least with those early ones), so I had my new light over the inside basement steps installed on the wall above the door, upright, to accept a CFL. (It is the hardest bulb in the house to change, and hasn't burned out yet.) I'm now using them in my bathroom recepticals, which are sideways over the mirror, and they seem to work fine sideways. Have been gradually converting to CFLs for 7 or more years now. IKEA sells them cheap, and often on promotional sale. Signs in the stores encourage recycling and say they will accept them back for recycling. This is good, since my major city just this summer FINALLY started accepting them with hazardous and electronic waste. I’ve had two burn out so far.

My change over has been gradual because of the cost, size and wattage issues. The first ones were two tall to fit some of my lamps and recepticles. As different sizes, shapes and wattages have come out, I’m finding more to fit. Even replaced my candleabra bulbs with similar shaped CFLs.

Pay attention to the style of the bulb. A bulb marked “bright white” and a bulb marked “soft white” look very different in effect, and under your lampshade.

Early on, I read that CFLs will not perform best in recepticals that hang the bulb upside down. This proved true (at least with those early ones), so I had my new light over the inside basement steps installed on the wall above the door, upright, to accept a CFL. (It is the hardest bulb in the house to change, and hasn’t burned out yet.) I’m now using them in my bathroom recepticals, which are sideways over the mirror, and they seem to work fine sideways.

]]> By: Jason http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/comment-page-1/#comment-42200 Jason Tue, 03 Jul 2007 12:40:26 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/#comment-42200 Here is the state of Maine's account of that story: http://www.maine.gov/dep/rwm/homeowner/pdf/prospecthistory.pdf Here is the fact sheet for clean up and other info http://www.nema.org/lamprecycle/epafactsheet-cfl.pdf Here is the state of Maine’s account of that story:
http://www.maine.gov/dep/rwm/homeowner/pdf/prospecthistory.pdf

Here is the fact sheet for clean up and other info
http://www.nema.org/lamprecycle/epafactsheet-cfl.pdf

]]> By: Rob in Madrid http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/comment-page-1/#comment-42168 Rob in Madrid Tue, 03 Jul 2007 10:44:30 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/#comment-42168 I have a friend who has a CFL in his bathroom and I hate it, by the time the bulb gets bright I've finished my business and am gone. No Virginia there won't be any CFLs in my house. On the other hand our unit had a short floresant light bulb 15 watts and is instant on and bright. Cheaper than a CFL (about 2.20€ vs 5€ or so for a CFL) On the other hand if you have lights that are left on all day than they are a good deal. As noted above CFLs need to be recycled properly. Throwing them in the trash is a good way to pollute the ground water. Unfortuanatly that is unlikly to happen and what we'll find in 15 years is a major crisis as millions of bulbs get tossed out. I have a friend who has a CFL in his bathroom and I hate it, by the time the bulb gets bright I’ve finished my business and am gone. No Virginia there won’t be any CFLs in my house.

On the other hand our unit had a short floresant light bulb 15 watts and is instant on and bright. Cheaper than a CFL (about 2.20€ vs 5€ or so for a CFL)

On the other hand if you have lights that are left on all day than they are a good deal.

As noted above CFLs need to be recycled properly. Throwing them in the trash is a good way to pollute the ground water. Unfortuanatly that is unlikly to happen and what we’ll find in 15 years is a major crisis as millions of bulbs get tossed out.

]]> By: vh http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/comment-page-1/#comment-42079 vh Tue, 03 Jul 2007 04:12:33 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/#comment-42079 Well, I sure wish I'd had a fact sheet on what to do if a CFL bulb breaks. Pulling one of those nasty bubble-packs, previously box-cuttered open, off the top shelf of a closet, I had two of them slip out and explode all over the closet, the hall, and the bedroom floors. What a mess! They shatter far more dramatically than an incandescent bulb...and I expect half the house is now contaminated w/ mercury. HD sells one that's supposed to be "sunlight"--dunno if that qualifies as "full-spectrum." The effect is bluish--I didn't like it at all. But then what delayed me from trying them is that I really, really hate the blue-looking flickery light from regular flourescent tubes. The yellowy CFL light is more like "real" light bulbs and doesn't make one's contact lenses hurt. Well, I sure wish I’d had a fact sheet on what to do if a CFL bulb breaks. Pulling one of those nasty bubble-packs, previously box-cuttered open, off the top shelf of a closet, I had two of them slip out and explode all over the closet, the hall, and the bedroom floors. What a mess! They shatter far more dramatically than an incandescent bulb…and I expect half the house is now contaminated w/ mercury.

HD sells one that’s supposed to be “sunlight”–dunno if that qualifies as “full-spectrum.” The effect is bluish–I didn’t like it at all. But then what delayed me from trying them is that I really, really hate the blue-looking flickery light from regular flourescent tubes. The yellowy CFL light is more like “real” light bulbs and doesn’t make one’s contact lenses hurt.

]]> By: Kevin http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/comment-page-1/#comment-42047 Kevin Tue, 03 Jul 2007 01:44:28 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/#comment-42047 I don't know where all of you are getting your info.... There ARE dimmable CFL's. I'm an electrician and install them all the time. You can get almost any type of bulb in a dimmable CFL except R20 lamps for 4 inch recessed cans. http://www.thegreenguide.com/blog/freshfinds/340 they are a bit harder to find and you will probably have to order them online or through your local electrical supply house but they do exist. Also your other option if you are installing new lighting they make several types of flourescent lighting including recessed cans with dimmable ballasts. I don’t know where all of you are getting your info….

There ARE dimmable CFL’s. I’m an electrician and install them all the time. You can get almost any type of bulb in a dimmable CFL except R20 lamps for 4 inch recessed cans.

http://www.thegreenguide.com/blog/freshfinds/340

they are a bit harder to find and you will probably have to order them online or through your local electrical supply house but they do exist.

Also your other option if you are installing new lighting they make several types of flourescent lighting including recessed cans with dimmable ballasts.

]]> By: kath http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/comment-page-1/#comment-42027 kath Tue, 03 Jul 2007 00:46:59 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/#comment-42027 I'm glad you addressed this topic. We use CFL's and, aside from being a bit dimmer than regular bulbs, they have been great, especialy in the recessed lights that are a pain to reach. Since I started replacing my bulbs with CFLs three different people have told me that the bulbs are dangerous because of the mercury in them and they all seem to have heard a story about a person who broke one and had to had a hazmat team come in to clean it up. There is a fact sheet on Energystar.gov that gives information about CFLs, how to dispose of them and what to do if a bulb breaks. This is very important information that everyone should know. I’m glad you addressed this topic. We use CFL’s and, aside from being a bit dimmer than regular bulbs, they have been great, especialy in the recessed lights that are a pain to reach.
Since I started replacing my bulbs with CFLs three different people have told me that the bulbs are dangerous because of the mercury in them and they all seem to have heard a story about a person who broke one and had to had a hazmat team come in to clean it up. There is a fact sheet on Energystar.gov that gives information about CFLs, how to dispose of them and what to do if a bulb breaks. This is very important information that everyone should know.

]]> By: silver http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/comment-page-1/#comment-42024 silver Tue, 03 Jul 2007 00:35:21 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/#comment-42024 A few things to note about CFLs * They should not be used in lights controlled by dimmer switches. * They should not be used in lights controlled by electronic timers. * They should not be used on photocell devices or fixtures (motion or light sensors). * While they can be used in enclosed OR recessed fixtures, they should NOT be used in fixtures that are BOTH enclosed AND recessed. * Compact fluorescent light bulbs work best if they are left on for over 15 minutes each time they are turned on. Warm-up will probably not be noticeable from a user stand point, but the lamp needs to warm-up in order to reach the point of most efficient operation. Frequently switching them on and off will shorten the life of the product. If the life of the lamp is shortened significantly, you will not reap the financial benefits (includes energy and life of lamp), that are common to CFL lamps. Thus, applications such as a closet, pantry, bathroom, laundry room, etc., are not optimal. Incandescent and halogen lamps are still most efficient for these environments. * Applications where there is vibration present (such as a ceiling fan or garage door opener) can damage the electronics in the ballasts of non-specialty CFLs. The ceiling fan CFL should not be used on a garage door opener, which offers much greater vibration than a ceiling fan. * Because CFLs contain a small amount of mercury they should be disposed of properly. All of the above is from GE when I wrote to them about a CFL burning out after two months. A few things to note about CFLs

* They should not be used in lights controlled by dimmer switches.
* They should not be used in lights controlled by electronic timers.
* They should not be used on photocell devices or fixtures (motion or light sensors).
* While they can be used in enclosed OR recessed fixtures, they should NOT be used in fixtures that are BOTH enclosed AND recessed.
* Compact fluorescent light bulbs work best if they are left on for over 15 minutes each time they are turned on. Warm-up will probably not be noticeable from a user stand point, but the lamp needs to warm-up in order to reach the point of most efficient operation. Frequently switching them on and off will shorten the life of the product. If the life of the lamp is shortened significantly, you will not reap the financial benefits (includes energy and life of lamp), that are common to CFL lamps. Thus, applications such as a closet, pantry, bathroom, laundry room, etc., are not optimal. Incandescent and halogen lamps are still most efficient for these environments.
* Applications where there is vibration present (such as a ceiling fan or garage door opener) can
damage the electronics in the ballasts of non-specialty CFLs. The ceiling fan CFL should not be used on a garage door opener, which offers much greater vibration than a ceiling fan.
* Because CFLs contain a small amount of mercury they should be disposed of properly.

All of the above is from GE when I wrote to them about a CFL burning out after two months.

]]> By: Andy http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/comment-page-1/#comment-42017 Andy Tue, 03 Jul 2007 00:20:14 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/02/five-reasons-to-try-out-a-cfl-today/#comment-42017 I have been replacing regular bulbs with CFLs for the last few years and I am probably up to about 15 now. In general I am happy with their performance. I haven't had one die on me yet. One application that I am disappointed with is in the pantry. When I turn on the bulb, it is more like 60% at first. When I am going in to quickly grab something from the pantry, I can barely see what I need with 60% light. I would normally be out of there in 10 seconds and don't want to 3 minutes for it to warm up. For now, I actually leave that light on continuosly, defeating the purpose... I have been replacing regular bulbs with CFLs for the last few years and I am probably up to about 15 now. In general I am happy with their performance. I haven’t had one die on me yet.

One application that I am disappointed with is in the pantry. When I turn on the bulb, it is more like 60% at first. When I am going in to quickly grab something from the pantry, I can barely see what I need with 60% light. I would normally be out of there in 10 seconds and don’t want to 3 minutes for it to warm up. For now, I actually leave that light on continuosly, defeating the purpose…

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