Do you use CFL's (compact fluorescent lamps) in your home? How would you rate them?

Question

Lower heat output? Lower electric bills? Too expensive? Compactness?


Do you want to switch over but just can't afford them?

Why do you all say they are so bad?
Are you using Westinghouse?
Others like Wesrtern Family and G-E
are terrible!
Westinghouse has some of the highest wattage ratios I've seen so
far. 7w=40w incandescent is really good. How could it not help to lower the electric bill?

Also, you are not supposed to use them on or near appliances that cause interference such as computers, TV's, CEILING FANS
or radios.

Do you think you'll be ready for the next wave of lighting technology?
LEDS are fast approaching our everyday lives and are expected to be offered along with our CFL's by 2008-9. Current efficiencies boast up
to a 1/10 ratio, meaning a 10 watt LED bulb could put out 100 watts!
Can't they just leave well enough alone?
Prepare to be amazed:
http://www.superbrightleds.com/

Answer 1

Our city has an exchange where you bring in 5 incandescent light bulbs and they will give you 5 free CFLs. I do notice that the areas around the lights are not as warm, but really didn't notice too much difference on the electric bill. They also don't work in some of my lamps because of the way the shades connect. Also, they are horrible to put on makeup with and really change the colors in some rooms. They are supposed to last longer than regular light bulbs, but most in regularly used lamps did not.

Answer 2

Yes, I use them. Don't know why the others don't like them. OK, the "mood" of the light is different -- whiter, not yellow -- but I think that is actually better! It is a "cleaner, crisper" light. Easier to read and see by. Bulbs definitely last longer -- we were burning through SO many regular bulbs it was a running joke around our house!! The one drawback is cold weather. We have one outside the front door and one in the garage (for the woodpile) and you really need to turn them on about 10-15 minutes before going out to let them come up to full temperature on cold days or the light is really dim. But then, they cost so little to run, we often just leave them burning for an evening. And, yes, you do see the difference in cost when you have enough of them burning. Oh, don't use them on a dimmer switch -- big NO-NO!! Hope all this helps!! Good luck!!

Answer 3

Every light in my house has been converted. I had been wanting the three-way bulbs for SOOOOOO long. And now they are here Yeah!!!!!!!

I love them and would highly recommend them. They are not near as hot, they last. I have not changed a bulb in almost THREE years. where I was changing one a week. So in the long run they are much cheaper than regular incandescent lighting. And they do save Lots of $ an my electric bill.

The thing I like most is I am an early riser for work 2 am. And as I turn on lights, they are not a full blast to my tired eyes. They take about 5 sec. to get to full capacity but that early in the morn it is well appreciated.

Answer 4

LOVE them....I have had a few of them for more than 2 years already. I defiantly notice a reduction in my electric bills every month. Another plus I like is that don't get so hot so in the summer when I have lights on it doesn't heat up the room. I would highly recommend them!

Answer 5

To answer your Q's. Yes. Yes. No. Yes. And finally No.

That being said. I hate fluorescent lighting. I prefer in most cases halogen lighting but with a dimmer switch. In closets I prefer incandescent reflector lamps.

Atmosphere is everything in lighting.

Answer 6

If your talking about those curly-cue bulbs that are florescent, I dont like them at all!

They didnt last long! I got a couple of them and put them in my ceiling fans, and they soon burned out faster than any regular type of bulbs...

So, I will never use them again.

I wish you well.

Jesse

Answer 7

fluorescent lights blink allot not a good source for lighting try flood lights much better for your eyes