Have You Changed Your Light Bulbs Yet?

[Rosebud]

There's been a lot of discussion in the press (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/14/business/14light.html?ref=business) lately about how important it is for Americans to switch from regular, energy-sucking light bulbs to energy-saving fluorescent light bulbs. Australia (http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/canberra-sees-the-light-on-energysaving-globes/2007/02/19/1171733684691.html) and several EU countries are already planning to phase out conventional light bulbs entirely in the next few years.

From Yahoo! (http://news.com.com/2061-10811_3-6161577.html?part=rss&tag=2547-1_3-0-5&subj=news):

These energy saving bulbs last up to five to seven years! According Yahoo, if every American swapped just one regular bulb for a CFL, it would collectively save more than $8 billion in energy costs, prevent the burning of 30 billion pounds of coal and keep 2 million cars' worth of greenhouse gas emissions from being released into the atmosphere.

Furthermore, fluorescent lamp (CFL) bearing the government's ENERGY STAR label use 1/3 the energy of traditional bulb and can last up to 10 times longer and save $30 or more in energy costs over their lifetime.

Save the planet and switch your bulb to fluorescent ones. ENERGY STAR CFLs are available anywhere you currently buy your light bulbs.

Question: Have you changed at least one light bulb in your house yet? If not, do you plan to? If you have switched over, have you changed all the lights, or just some?

[Rosebud]

I'll start... we've switched out 5-6 light bulbs in our house, but not all of them yet. Hearing a report about this on NPR this morning reminded me that we need to swap the rest of them.

[Rico'sAlice]

I voted all, b/c that is closer to the truth than "atleast one."
But really it is all but 3 or something. We have a couple of fixtures where we just can't find the right style (although it is amazing how many sizes/styles are available. When we lived in Houston we managed to change 100% including some candelabra-type fixtures, outside flood lights, etc.) We also have two halogen desk lamps.
And this wasn't a recent "change" they've pretty much all been fluorescent since we moved in 4yrs ago.

[Sophia]

We switched to all compact flourescents and cold cathode bulbs (it's taken a few years to be completely switched over). The cold cathode bulbs use every little energy but look like regular bulbs (if you get the frosted ones, not the clear ones) and can be used with dimmer switches. This (http://www.1000bulbs.com/product.php?product=9109) is where we ordered the cold cathode bulbs.

[young lioness]

We've switched out nearly all of them.

The one place we don't plan on switching them is in the two lamps on the tables behind our couch. Our cat climbs up on the table and "sunbathes" under those lamps all through the winter. The new bulbs don't give off the same amount of heat, so we are keeping the old bulbs in them so the kitty doesn't have to give up her "tanning bed".

[Niobe]

I've switched a lot of them, the ones that are in fixtures I use the most often. I need to buy a few more bulbs, but I always forget. :rolleyes:

[SiValleySteph]

I voted all, but it's not 100% accurate.

We still have some incandescent in our bathroom "hollywood" style vanity lights. I want to replace those with a different style fixture. Are there globe CFLs now? Maybe we should just go ahead and replace the bulbs?

We also have some in our recessed lighting that is in the 15 foot ceiling. Those haven't burnt out in 4 years and I'm not sure how to replace them anyways! Once they do burn out (rarely use those lights), we'll replace with CFL.

Other than that, we have all CFL now. Our first priority was to replace in all the high traffic areas and then we got pretty much all of them replaced when there was a sale.

[AHammer]

I switch to CFLs when a regular one burns out. After 10 months in our house we've switched about half of our bulbs.

[LIZNKEITH]

We ran out a few weeks ago and stocked up on a bunch. We're just waiting for the current bulbs to die so we can swap them out.

Are there globe CFLs now? Maybe we should just go ahead and replace the bulbs?
Yep. I actually just saw some at Home Depot. The selection has really improved in the last year.

[mindy75]

we've changed more than one, but less than all. 3-5, I think. I need to get some more. I replace them as they burn out.

[lawyergirl25]

I've changed about half of them. I'll change the rest as they burn out.

[jennylou]

We've changed out many in our house. But, we have dimmers on a few lights and apparently, they don't work with dimmers - so we haven't changed those ones. That was a few years ago the last time we tried, so if anyone knows if they have some that dim now, please, let me know!

[mmeblue]

We've also been changing types of light bulbs as the old ones burn out.

ETA: DH has just changed two of our light switches from dimmers to regular switches so that we can use the new bulbs in them. AFAIK, you still can't use the new ones with dimmers.

[jennylou]

Bummer, I really love the dimmer lights.

[MrsBeckyLP]

I think we've done a few as they've burned out, but I also know I recently replaced some with regular old light bulbs. Honestly, it's not something I ever think about. When we build our house, I'll put them in everywhere we can.

[mgrace]

Our house had all CFL's when we moved in. :)

[myshel]

We've started the replacement process, but have found (probably similar to the dimmer issue) that CFLs aren't made in the three-way style that standard bulbs are which stinks. We have three lamps that take the three-way bulbs and while I'd love to switch them out, I'd still like the three-way light option.

[Cali_Katy]

We changed almost all of them to CFLs; the only ones we haven't are in light fixtures we haven't been able to find appropriate replacement bulbs for. Seems like the selection gets better and better, so we'll keep looking.

[ysolde]

I have been replacing as they burn out, so most, but not all, of our bulbs are now CFL.

[Amuse Bouche]

We've switched the ones we can. Unfortunately, all of the light fixtures in our apartment take the candle bulbs --
http://www.1000bulbs.com/images/products/thumbnail_froststraighttip_25w_dec_100700_100x.jpg

And we haven't been able to find CF's that fit.

[Hello Kitty]

Okay, I don't like them. I'm willing to try, but they always seem so yellow-y and dim to me. I'm really obsessed with bright light and task lighting, as well as accent lighting.

I switched out one bulb so far, but it's in a non-essential decorative light. So any recs for good brands? Does it help to replace it with a higher 'equivalent wattage' than you normally would have?

[Belm]

We changed all of them over a few years ago. I'm glad that the bulb switch-a-roo is getting some attention.

[heather1029]

Okay, I don't like them. I'm willing to try, but they always seem so yellow-y and dim to me. I'm really obsessed with bright light and task lighting, as well as accent lighting.

I switched out one bulb so far, but it's in a non-essential decorative light. So any recs for good brands? Does it help to replace it with a higher 'equivalent wattage' than you normally would have?

Fluorescent lights are actually known for being more BLUE, while incandescent are known for being yellow. I'd actually be happy if I saw a yellowy fluorescent, because I often see the very cold, gross Walmart-style fluorescents.

That said, there are many options for fluorescent colors these days. You can now get a warm white to a blue white.

[mamax2]

I've only switched out a few as well. Our fixtures came w/lamps (i.e.: bulbs) when we moved in last August. As one burns out, I replace w/the more energy efficient model. I had NOT yet found the style I need for my recessed fixtures, but looks like I'll have to check out Home Depot again. :)

eta:
Okay, I don't like them. I'm willing to try, but they always seem so yellow-y and dim to me. I'm really obsessed with bright light and task lighting, as well as accent lighting.
ITA. In my kitchen chandelier, it's pretty obvious that there are 2 dim, dull bulbs and 3 normal. Also, the lamp on my nightstand is much duller than DH's lamp for the same reason. I figure that once I have them ALL switched, I won't notice the difference, but it is pretty obvious now. I also don't like how they light up slower (like, by a couple seconds) than the regular bulbs. It's more or less something I'm doing because I think it's 'right', not because I think it's great decorative choice. I wish they could make them brighter though; I haven't had much luck on that front.

[Rico'sAlice]

We've switched the ones we can. Unfortunately, all of the light fixtures in our apartment take the candle bulbs --
http://www.1000bulbs.com/images/products/thumbnail_froststraighttip_25w_dec_100700_100x.jpg

And we haven't been able to find CF's that fit.

I know we bought some of those at Home Depot in Houston.

I'll try to find a link.

But maybe they had a wider base. I'll look around.

[MrsBeckyLP]

I just found this on Energy Star's Web site:

Where to Use CFLs:

* To get the most energy savings, replace bulbs where lights are on the most, such as your family and living room, kitchen, dining room, and porch.
* Some CFLs have trouble operating in enclosed fixtures. Check the CFL's packaging for any restrictions on use.

How to Choose the Right Light:

* Matching the right CFL to the right kind of fixture helps ensure that it will perform properly and last a long time. Read the packaging to be sure that the type you choose works for the fixture you have in mind. For example:
o If a light fixture is connected to a dimmer or 3-way switch, select CFLs that are labeled for this use
o For recessed fixtures, it is better to use a 'reflector' CFL versus a standard-shaped bulb.
* Choose the color that works best for you. For example, while most CFLs are created with warm colors for your home, you could choose a cooler color for task lighting.
* To get a CFL with the right amount of light, choose one that offers the same lumen rating as the light you are replacing. The higher the lumen rating, the greater the light output. Use the table below to see how lumens can generally be compared.



If you want to see the table, here's the link (http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cfls.pr_cfls)

So it looks like they do make CFLs for dimmers and three-way switches and also in different colors and brightness. Now we just have to find out where to buy them!

[honeygirl]

We switched out a lot of our lights a while back, but slowly seem to be switching back to regular bulbs. We don't like how the light looks. We put one in our closet and it looked dim and very yellow. :( I'd be interested in learning which brands cast a more bright (and less yellow) light b/c these aren't working for us!

[SiValleySteph]

I think CFLs have gotten so much better. When we bought our house 4 years ago, it had CFLs over the tubs. Those bulbs are not very good. When you turn them on, they take a while to really come on and the light is dim. The bulbs we've bought recently have a much better light and response time. The difference is really noticible!

[PinkMartini]

We switched out a lot of our lights a while back, but slowly seem to be switching back to regular bulbs. We don't like how the light looks. We put one in our closet and it looked dim and very yellow.

Same here. Far too dim, especially in the bathroom and closets...

[Hello Kitty]

Honeygirl - I'm glad I'm not the only crazy one who thinks they offer a yellow glow :) and yes - they're all just so dim - I feel like my eyes can't see properly.

So what brands do you all have that you are enjoying so much - I know I had some generic brand and I didn't like them. And I guess if I'm paying $5 for a lightbulb anyway, I may as well spend a dollar or two more and actually be able to use it.

[villanelle75]

We are usign up the many many bulbs we have from the stash we inherited from my grandmother. As something burns out, we check grandma's stash and if we don't have the right bulb there, we buy a CFL for it. So we've swithced over on maybe 1/4 of our bulbs since we moved 2 years ago and that rate shoudl accelrate now that we've tapped much of our supply.

[PG-rated]

We're switching them out as the traditional ones burn out. I think we've replaced two or three so far, but we have a couple of hard-to-fit fixtures, so I'm not sure what we'll do with those.

[greenbunny]

No, and I won't switch. Flourescent bulbs are a common migraine trigger, and I'm no exception. I'll find ways to save energy that don't cause me blinding pain and nausea.

[eli1126]

We switched all the bulbs in our house when we moved in. I'm not a big fan of them either. We have ones in the living room that are way too bright and we can't use the dimmer swtiches because the CLF don't work in the dimmers.

[JamBray]

I've switched out a few, and will do the rest as the regular ones burn out.We've started the replacement process, but have found (probably similar to the dimmer issue) that CFLs aren't made in the three-way style that standard bulbs are which stinks. We have three lamps that take the three-way bulbs and while I'd love to switch them out, I'd still like the three-way light option.
I'm not sure if you have one where you're located myshel, but a few months ago I was in Ace Hardware and saw 3-way CFLs, so they do exist. :)

[vwinkel]

I've changed about a third of them and will change the rest when they burn out. I recently just bought a six pack!

[Dally]

Like Greenbunny, I also am prone to migraines that are triggered by flourescent lights. I use flourescent lights on the outside of my house (porch light), but it's hard from me to handle them inside. Even at work I have to turn off the overhead flourescent lights and use a desk lamp. I feel badly about it, but what can I do? I need to avoid migraines in order to function.

[imagirliegirl]

We've changed most of ours. We have enough bulbs but we haven't made time to change them all.

[dionysia]

I switch to CFLs when a regular one burns out.

That's what we've been doing as well. We've probably switched over 1/3 to 1/2 of the bulbs in the house.

Di

[kanga1622]

I've changed out the bathroom bulbs and hope to change out the laundry room lights next. My problem is that we used the GE Reveal light bulbs because the light wasn't yellow and the new bulbs we put into the bathroom do give it a yellow tone.

Unfortunately I have probably 5 boxes of the Reveal regular bulbs that were free with rebate a couple years ago. I have no idea what we'll do with those.

[dreamgirly]

I prefer the GE reveal bulbs in the living areas of the house ~ dh gets awful migraines and this was our compromise - he prefers the standard yellow lights and I prefer the fluorescents. Outside the house & in the garage, we have the fluorescents. So we have changed some, but will probably not be changing anytime soon inside the house. We do have halogens in the closets and in our office.

[camberne]

We've only used the compact flourescent bulbs for years, so this is nothing new to us.

[maniach]

We changed most of ours. The only ones that aren't changed out are those that are on dimmer switches, as apparently the CFLs don't dim. The manufacturers really should address that issue!!

[jessesgirl]

No, and I won't switch. Flourescent bulbs are a common migraine trigger, and I'm no exception. I'll find ways to save energy that don't cause me blinding pain and nausea.

Older Fluorescent bulbs/tubes that cycled at 60Hz which is visible to the human eye (esp in your peripheral vision) are usually the culprits for migraines. Modern ones cycle faster than you can see, and shouldn't cause any ill effects. I've never noticed a modern CFL flicker or buzz or do anything distracting and I've been known to get migraines from CFLs.

BUT that being said, no I haven't switched and don't plan on it. Actually, I'm kind of irked that once again the government thinks it needs to step in and tell the American people what's good for you and what's bad, when it's my hard-earned money, my home, and MY electric bill. If they want to pay my electric bill, fine, then you can tell me what I need to replace in my home, but if not, then get out and shut up.

[KGif]

BUT that being said, no I haven't switched and don't plan on it. Actually, I'm kind of irked that once again the government thinks it needs to step in and tell the American people what's good for you and what's bad, when it's my hard-earned money, my home, and MY electric bill. If they want to pay my electric bill, fine, then you can tell me what I need to replace in my home, but if not, then get out and shut up.


I'm not sure how someone paying your or my electric bill would apply here. I believe this is more about what is good for the planet.

[jessesgirl]

I'm not sure how someone paying your or my electric bill would apply here. I believe this is more about what is good for the planet.

Funny, in all the news articles I've read, one of the reasons they're pushing it is because it saves consumers money on their energy bill. ;)

I'm not sure how it is on newer CFLs, but I know older ones are harder to dispose of properly than are incadescent bulbs because they need to be broken down in a reclaimer, so I'm not really sure how that's better for the environment either.

[Rico'sAlice]

Funny, in all the news articles I've read, one of the reasons they're pushing it is because it saves consumers money on their energy bill. ;)

I have worked in this field and my family has been doing this for over 20 years. We talk about saving money b/c that's what consumers respond to. As some people have pointed out before, CC is not a representative cross-section of the population. So while conserving fossil fuels may be high on the list for some of us, it's not even on the radar for many. But tell people you can save them money on their electric bills and the calls pour in. (these have been programs that do energy conservation work at no cost to homeowner, funded by utility companies)

-----------------------
But I don't really see how any of this is the government butting in and telling people what to do. Yes, there are some programs that provide incentives for making these sorts of choices, but it's not like there are any laws saying you must do XYZ.

[KGif]

Funny, in all the news articles I've read, one of the reasons they're pushing it is because it saves consumers money on their energy bill.


Well sure - and it's true. The reason they highlight that is they know that unfortunately "saves you money!" means a lot more to most people then "saves the planet!".

In the end saving you $$ is a great but what is also really important is the environmental impact of switching to energy efficient bulbs.

That being said I'm no expert and could certainly do a LOT more myself to contribute to more earth friendly practices.

[jessesgirl]

But I don't really see how any of this is the government butting in and telling people what to do. Yes, there are some programs that provide incentives for making these sorts of choices, but it's not like there are any laws saying you must do XYZ.

But other members of what Sen. Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) called the "Lighting Efficiency Coalition" were more straightforward with their support for legislation that would mandate efficiency standards for light bulbs, effectively banning the production of traditional incandescent bulbs.


Rest of story here: http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewPolitics...L20070315a.html

Now, they might not be making a law that will have men in black inspecting my home and forcibly removing my incadescent bulbs, but the fact they want to ban mass production is enough for me to think for a moment that they are telling us to "do XYZ."

[SiValleySteph]

Now, they might not be making a law that will have men in black inspecting my home and forcibly removing my incadescent bulbs, but the fact they want to ban mass production is enough for me to think for a moment that they are telling us to "do XYZ."

Well, I'm for it. Do you have a problem with the government limiting pollution? What about regulating toxic chemical disposal, that sort of thing?

[Sadie]

Honestly, I can't stand flourescent bulbs. The only one we have in our house in in our master bedroom closet, and the difference in the light it outputs is startling to me every time I go in there. I also hate the delay between flipping the switch and the light coming on. I have no plans to replace any other bulbs. Maybe this makes me an evil saboteur of the planet, but I try to do my part for the environment in other ways.

[SiValleySteph]

I have no plans to replace any other bulbs.

I felt the same way about CFLs, but it is really amazing how much better the bulbs have gotten. I forbid DH from changing anymore, but he did anyways and won me over with the better bulbs. :cool:

[Rico'sAlice]

Rest of story here: http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewPolitics...L20070315a.html

Now, they might not be making a law that will have men in black inspecting my home and forcibly removing my incandescent bulbs, but the fact they want to ban mass production is enough for me to think for a moment that they are telling us to "do XYZ."

Somehow I totally skipped over the article in the OP! :o
Since the poll question and discussion were not actually talking about it I just passed right over it. Ooops. I saw the part quoted, but since it was just general info I didn't realize there was any "news" involved. [your link doesn't work for me]
----------------

So now that I've actually read the article, basically what they are talking about is similar to the CFC phase out, auto fuel-efficiency standards, etc. Although it appears they haven't actually gotten any Bills sponsored yet in the US. So, it's not like the initiative is originating with the government, it's something that industry & activists are pushing for.
I don't believe that "demand" on it's own will do enough. I think history had shown that a push is needed. For example, I don't believe that Toyota & Honda would have put much into developing the hybrids if they hadn't (ultimately, erroneously) thought that the US manufacturers were going to have to do it.
And legislation was needed to get car manufacturers to install seatbelts.:D

Although, at this point in the game, I could imagine this being a PR move, with the company involved doing back door action to get it killed. But I am just ultra-cynical about corporations choosing to help the environment.

So, I wouldn't have a problem with this theoretically, but it wouldn't be my first choice either. CFLs do have their environmental drawbacks. And from a homeowners perspective there are certainly more cost-effective energy saving options to look at before replacing all your bulbs. Unfortunately, from a public policy standpoint this is a more straightforward, universal issue to deal with than say fixing duct leakage or planting deciduous trees for season-appropriate house shading.

However, I would certainly think that the alternatives available by 2016 will far surpass todays CFLs. I mean the quality and variety available today is pretty amazing compared to what we were installing in '96. And by putting on this pressure it would encourage more bulb companies to improve quality and bring down the price more quickly than they might have otherwise. While they save money in the long run, the initial outlay for fluorescents can be very daunting for people living paycheck to paycheck.

[ShelbyMay]

DH and I have battled over this -- He wants the flourescents (the ones that look all curly, right?) and I like the regular incandescents. I hate the color/temperature of the light on the ones he bought. It is cold and blue and makes me feel like I am at work. I like warm, yellow light. Can anyone recommend a particular type of fluorescent bulb that I might actually like?

(I also prefer floor and table lamps, while DH prefers overhead lighting, but that is another argument...)

[Sha259]

Am I the only one that loves their CFL's? DH and I bought a few when some of our lights burned out 2 years ago. Once we saw the quality of light we got, we went and replaced all the lights in the house, so we have been switched over for the past 2 years. I actually find my CFLs to be brighter and more white than my old incandescent bulbs. Yes, they can be really bright, but aren't all lights when you turn them on. And I really could tell the difference on my electric bill (the lights coupled with our Energy Star appliances). I think that both me and the earth are getting something out of the deal, so I can't be mad. :p

[Niobe]

I like my CFLs a lot. Maybe mine are the newer kind, I don't know. I bought them at IKEA. But they're just as bright as the incandescent bulbs and not nearly as yellow. And I don't have any delay when I turn them on.

Also, they seem to be cooler then incandescents of the same brightness. The overhead lights in my living room and bedroom used to overheat and turn themselves off after being on for too long. I replaced the living room bulb with a CFL and that hasn't happened in there since. I'm going to Target today to look for a CFL for the bedroom fixture.

[MLA]

We have only one in our house right now, but we'll replace the rest as they burn out.

Question: The one we have is supposed to be as bright as a 60 watt bulb, but it's nowhere near that bright. Are CF's just generally dimmer. FTR, we have a globe CF, not the more traditional one.

[NotDesperate]

I chose "yes I have changed all lightbulbs", but really I have only changed the majority of the lightbulbs, the ones we use the most. Some rooms we never use or those kind of lightbulbs don't work in them.

[Katy]

I've switched nearly every light bulb. The only ones I haven't either haven't yet burned out, or don't fit the energy saver bulb (such as smaller lamps, some covered ceiling fixtures, or the bathroom vanity)

[miel]

Please note that CFLs have mercury.

They have to be disposed of properly.

They are great for energy purposes but have mercury. Do NOT throw them away in the garbage (I may have done this once but I hope not!) and be very careful around children and if they break do not touch them!

City of Seattle website (http://www.seattle.gov/light/Conserve/Resident/cv5_lw2.htm)

Disposal of CF Bulbs

CF bulbs contain about 4 milligrams of mercury sealed in the glass tubing of the bulb. Mercury vapor converts electricity into light. No mercury is released when the bulb is in use. Unbroken, burned-out CF bulbs emit no mercury. But broken bulbs or tubes can harm human health and the environment. (For more information on mercury, visit www.buildinggreen.com and type in "mercury" in the search field.)

Therefore, compact fluorescent (CF) bulbs or fluorescent tubes may not be thrown away with your regular garbage. They must be disposed of at a free Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) site (Seattle Municipal Code 21.36.026)

Edited to add: I get migraines triggered by fluorescent lights and these do not give me migraines. So it might be the old tube style that affects me. I know it is hard to say 'try and see!' but if you can stand it, it is worth a shot.

[Brandles]

I have changed several lightbulbs in my house with them: the 3 outside bulbs first (because they last longer) and then, the lights that I have come on with a timer. I think those are the only ones because when I turn on a light, I want instant light. I tried an energy saving one in the basement (with a bare bulb) and it came on too slowly to stand in the dark for a bit and it gave off a strange glow. I don't notice this outside or in the timer lights.

[Asha]

we have had energy saving light bulbs since we moved in over 2 years ago. some of the orginal bulbs are still in the lights. they do look kinda funny in the celing fan lights, but its ok.

[wideopenskies]

For all of you that are saying that your CFLs are too dim, are you checking the wattage when you purchase them? Remember that because CFLs use much less wattage, the wattage on the package might look strange. For example, a CFL requires about 15 watts of energy to produce the same amount of "lumens", or light output, as a standard 60 watt incandescent.
Something else interesting I read, from the National Research Council of Canada: (http://irc.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/pubs/cp/lig3_e.html)

A compact fluorescent lighting system that in the end maintains good power quality, delivers good lighting, and saves energy and money may not necessarily be perceived by building occupants as satisfactory or acceptable. Incandescent lighting is sometimes replaced by CF lighting and the end-user complains that it isn't bright enough - even though the CF lamp is rated to produce at least as much light as the incandescent one.

Could the manufacturer's specs be wrong? Not necessarily. Lamp specs are usually given in lumens - the total luminous flux emitted by the lamp. This is not to be confused with the amount of illumination reaching the work space. A fixture intended for an incandescent lamp may not distribute light where needed when fitted with a CF lamp. Fixtures are designed for specific lamp sizes and shapes, and light from a different lamp will not necessarily be distributed at optimum efficiency. Lamps and fixtures should be properly matched to avoid occupant dissatisfaction. When existing fixtures must be used, the designer or retrofitter may have to install higher-lumen CF lamps to achieve desired illumination levels.

Flicker can occasionally produce headaches and eyestrain in some people. The 60-Hz flow of electrons through the compact fluorescent lamp results in a 120-Hz fluctuation in the UV radiation incident on the phosphor coating. The stable nature of phosphorescence smooths out the effect of this cycle, but the instantaneous variations in fluorescent light output known as flicker still occur. The 120-Hz variation is too fast to be seen by most human eyes, but a stroboscopic effect can be observed when rapidly moving or rotating objects are viewed. High-frequency ballasts that send current through the lamp at frequencies up to 40 kHz can be used to prevent flicker problems.

In addition, the physical appearance and brightness of luminaires can affect one's impressions of brightness in a space. Light from CF lamps, in comparison to incandescent lamps, is typically more uniformly distributed over a larger portion of the lamp surface area. One might therefore propose that these differences in luminous distributions could affect one's impressions of the brightness of the space. These potential psychological effects are currently being studied.

Hmmm. Another thing to remember is that most CFLs take about 30 seconds to produce their full light output after you turn them on. Maybe that is why many people are having problems with them in closets? CFLs aren't really meant to be used in places where they are turned on and then turned right back off again - it can decrease their life expectancy.

[wideopenskies]

Another thing, while we have switched out all of our bulbs on non-dimmed fixtures, we were not satisfied with "dimmable" CFLs. We have recessed light fixtures in the kitchen and dining area, and purchased dimmable CFLs for them orginally (this was less than 6 months ago). They buzzed horribly when dimmed, and basically had 3 light levels, unlike the infinitely dimmable halogen lights we have in there now. Plus, we have been told by many people that although the dimmable CFLs advertise a long life, they actually burn out much quicker - many people say 6 months to a year. Hopefully the technology improves soon. :)

[BrownEyedGirl]

I said yes, all...but it's really only yes, to the ones that we can reach. The ceiling fan lights are some fancy ass screwy bulb that we can't even find to replace and there's one that is going to require a really big ladder...but it's burnt out so we don't use it now anyway.

[wander_woman]

We changed to all CFLs when we moved into our new place about 7 months ago. I love them! I think it's a much nicer light.

Actually, I'm kind of irked that once again the government thinks it needs to step in and tell the American people what's good for you and what's bad, when it's my hard-earned money, my home, and MY electric bill. If they want to pay my electric bill, fine, then you can tell me what I need to replace in my home, but if not, then get out and shut up.

I don't really get the anger here. The government's not forcing you to do anything. There's no ban, just some talk of a potential ban (no actual bills yet) ... which if it happened, probably wouldn't go into effect for a decade. And would have much less effect on your life than a million other things the govt does. If you're concerned, you could start hoarding incandescent bulbs now in anticipation of the potential ban ... kinda like Elaine with the sponge ["Is he incandescent-worthy?"]

[Rose]

No, I honestly buy what's cheapest. Also I get migraines, and I am not anxious to try them even if they are a different type of flourescent.

I actually don't have my lights on most of the day or in more than one room at a time, unless I am in the bathroom or I am reading at night. I have a lot of natural light or have the TV on in my room with the light off so I feel OK knowing I don't use much light.


The light in my kitchen went out a month a go and I haven't replaced it. If it's really dark I just use the light over the stove. :o

[sxsw_dad]

check out www.18seconds.org if you haven't to see how many CFLs your community has bought and how many cars you've taken off the road! :)

[Rose]

That's a cool site sxsw dad. It doesn't seem like my area (although they really stretched it) is doing to good.

[DallasLady]

We are beginning to switch over. DH actually reminded me this weekend. when he said it, my repsonce to him was:

"What would Rush Limbaugh and your other conservative heroes think about you trying to save the planet?"

His answer, "I don't give a damn about the planet... I'm just trying to save some money." :rolleyes:

[BumbleB]

We've replaced about 1/3 of our lights. I can't use them in lamps or bathrooms yet - the change of light output is too much for me there - plus we have no windows in our bathroom to bring in natural light.

I hope they keep on improving these and lowering the costs, I would love to see these replace the current bulbs, but think they may need to be higher quality than they are now in terms of light output and flicker.

I'm changing them out for the environment - the fact that it amounts to taking so many cars off the road is pretty cool.

[Foley42]

What brands do you use?

[Niobe]

I went and bought some more CFLs at Target the other day, the GE brand. These DO have a delay when you turn them on, and they also do have a yellow tinge. So now I know what people have been talking about. I like the ones I bought at Ikea much better, they're brighter, whiter, and turn on instantly.

However, while I still don't see any flicker from either brand of CFL, FH swears the Ikea ones flicker more then the GEs.

[Scooter]

OK, I admit we are not using CF bulbs anywhere in our house. :o We did switch out 4 bulbs and I was horrified by the result. It was definitely florescent light--I guess I was kind of deluding myself that it would be more natural looking. It gave me a headache and the light was too strong and white.

I ended swapping the incandescents back in. (where's the poll choice for that?). I feel really bad about it, because it's such an easy thing to do for the environment and I'm not doing it. We do quite a lot to be environmentally friendly, but I guess I get an F on lightbulbs. :(

[MeTheGirlie]

Bump - another mercury article published today:

Mercury in energy-saving bulbs worries scientists (http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070327/sc_nm/lightbulbs_dc)

[Sandie78]

check out www.18seconds.org if you haven't to see how many CFLs your community has bought and how many cars you've taken off the road! :)

So if I'm reading that map right it looks like the middle of the country is more enlightened (has switched over to more CFLs) than the coasts which seems counterintuitive. You would think that since the coasts have more blue states, and therefore supposedly more people concerned about global warming that they would be using more CFLs. Interesting.

[Scooter]

*bump*

There's a recent commercial I saw the other day where a CFL is talking to an incandescent bulb. Anyone know what I'm talking about? One of the big points of the commercial is that the two light bulbs give off identical lights. It even mentions there's some new version of the CFL so the light is more natural and less like a florescent.

Anyone have any info or experience with that? If it really is true, I'd change all of our lightbulbs to CFL, but I can't believe it.

[Amuse Bouche]

I have to say, we have mostly CFL's, and with a few exceptions, the light is very similar to incandescent. We buy the bulbs at IKEA, and they're not too fluorescent.

[TracieB]

We just changed all of our bulbs to CFL's and I LOVE them! The only difference I see between them and incandescent is that they take a little longer to warm up and get to their final brightness. But I'm talking a matter of seconds.

[carrie9142]

A few of the fixtures in our house had CFLs already and they do take a while to get warmed up.

I haven't switched all mine out, since I am waiting for the current bulbs to burn out. I bought two different kinds, one 'soft light' and the other normal. The normal kind is a crazy bright flourescent light, but the soft light looks the exact same to me.

Also, I can't believe my home state of AR is number 1! Way to be!

[jnettie]

I bought my CFLs from Energy Federation Inc. (http://www.energyfederation.org/consumer/default.php/cPath/25_44) I got the link through the Inconvenient Truth website. I like them a lot! To me, there is no difference in light quality with the CFLs and incandescent. And these are brighter, too, but that's only because my house is old and our fixtures could only handle 40w before. So, because these only use 15w of energy but put out 60w of light, my house is brighter, too.

I also save my used CFLs and bring them to Ikea to recycle. This is in no way a hardship, any excuse to go to Ikea is a good one for me!