Compact fluorescent bulbs

[Middle Man]

Have others on here made the transition to CFLs? If so, what has your experience been? As the prices have come down, I've recently started replacing some of my incandescent bulbs.

Generally speaking, I don't mind spending more for a product now if I believe that it will save me money in the long run. But so far, my experience has not been good. I've already had several CFLs burn out in less time than the typical incandescent bulb. They're supposed to last 5 times longer or 10 times longer or something like that.

[bravos4evr]

I think it had turned out that CFL's are worse for the environment than the regular bulbs are cuz of mercury and some other problems after they go out.

I really believe that General Electric was behind the "green" fad.

[sdp]

They're all throughout my house. Can't remember the last time I changed a lightbulb. :D

The tone of the light takes a little getting used to but I hardly notice a difference anymore.

[Hillbilly]

I've got about 7 or 8 of the scattered throughout my house. Haven't had one burn out yet in 4 years.

[Hobbes]

I've got a bunch of them, and they burn out much less often than incandescent. I try to pay a little more for the better brands though.

The color tone is a bit cooler than the warm tone of standard incandescents, but they have made improvements in that area and they aren't harsh like the first generation. They're not good for every application (particularly on dimmers), but in most cases they are a good substitute.

[Andy G.]

I'm pretty sure they're more sensitive to vibrations than regular bulbs. If there's a lot of slamming doors or something, I think that makes them go out pretty quick. I'm not positive though. I just remember seeing something about it on tv.

[Middle Man]

Maybe I'm not buyng the better quality ones?

I've done a little extra reading and apparently they're more vulnerable to early burnout if they're used in a location where they are frequently turned on and then off after a short duration - that's what one guy said, anyway. I have had two recently burn out in our 1/2 bathroom where the switch is frequently turned on for only a minute or two at a time. Has anyone else had this issue?

[Hobbes]

Maybe I'm not buyng the better quality ones?

I've done a little extra reading and apparently they're more vulnerable to early burnout if they're used in a location where they are frequently turned on and then off after a short duration - that's what one guy said, anyway. I have had two recently burn out in our 1/2 bathroom where the switch is frequently turned on for only a minute or two at a time. Has anyone else had this issue?
The bathroom is one place I don't use them, for reasons of both color and appearance. We prefer incandescent lighting in the bathrooms, and our fixtures are such that you can see the bulbs, so we didn't want to look at the squiggles of a CFL.

[Lauren T.]

I bought a two-pack of compact flourescents, and both broke in my hand while I was trying to screw them into the lamp. I don't remember if I bought cheapies (probably not) or if I was clutching them too hard ;) but now almost all my bulbs are Reveal.

[ScooterBrave]

I bought a two-pack of compact flourescents, and both broke in my hand while I was trying to screw them into the lamp. I don't remember if I bought cheapies (probably not) or if I was clutching them too hard ;) but now almost all my bulbs are Reveal.

Hopefully you disposed on them properly and aired out the room.

CFLs should not be used in bathrooms and places where they will get exposed to high moisture. They won't last as long generally and potentially could break. Overall, they are a much better value and better "green" solution than incandescents.

[Freddy_Ballgame]

I have them in bedrooms and a bathroom and haven't had to change one in quite a while. I have one in the bathroom that is almost a "cool white" light that is similar to the old flourescents in appearance, but it's brighter. It is supposedly the equivalent of a 100 watt incandescent bulb. I haven't had any problems with them. I have changed the one in our basement hallway once in about 7 years. And it was one of the earlier "cheaper" models that lasted about 5 years!

[Lauren T.]

Hopefully you disposed on them properly and aired out the room.
My roommate's an environmentalist and works for the government. Trust me, I got the riot act from her for accidentally breaking BOTH the bulbs!