Do you buy and use compact flourescent bulbs?

Question

I bought a few 75 and 100 watt equivelant CF bulbs and was very disappointed at the dimness of them. Since it is a different type of light it does take some getting used to, I understand that. I also am trying to use these whenever possible to save energy and cut costs....But they are not very bright in big room areas. I had to switch back to a regular bulb in one room because it just seemed too dim.

What say you???

Answer 1

I just switched all of my old bulbs. the wattage of the new cfls is important, but so is the lumens AND the type of light (warm light, day light, etc) the type of light on mine was also listed by the "TEMP K" anyway, i found that the 13w was a warmer light, the 15w was WAY TOO white. i felt like i was in a hospital or something. the solution that worked for me was to use one of each in a two bulb lamp, or different bulbs in different lamps in a room. my living room has two lamps, one has a 13w for warmth, the other has the 15w to brighten the room.
with all this said, the moral to the story is to compare not just watts, but lumens, temp, and hours. don't look at years, look at hours, otherwise it can be a little misleading(this bulb will last 100 years FINE PRINT:if it is only used on christmas and easter)
hope this helps

Answer 2

I use them and are happy with them. I will agree though that the "equivalent" statement seems to be a bit on the optimistic side. What I've done is use 75 and 100 watt equivalent CF bulbs where I used to use 60 watt bulbs. You might want to try a 150 watt equivalent CF bulb and see if that makes a difference.

I also notice that although the new CF bulbs turn on immediately, it takes several minutes for them to get up to full brightness.

In bigger rooms, I've gone with the conventional 2 - 40 watt 4 foot fluorescent tubes but use daylight instead of warm white as daylight tubes gives off more light (lumens).

Answer 3

It will take a little to get use to I swear by them a 13watt cf is equivelent to a 40 watt bulb 15 watt cf is as equivelent to a 60 watt look for the K rating on the bulb a 3500k rating will have a yellowish tint try using a 4100k it throws out a brighter white

Answer 4

I'm interested to see the responses you get as well. I have one full-spectrum 24" tube that I use for my plants so far- it gives off an odd bluish-purple light. It seems pretty bright to me?

I'm thinking of replacing my regular bulbs through out the house as well, but with the full spectrum bulbs versus the regular old flourescent. Perhaps try the full spectrum and see if those are better?

Answer 5

It takes time for these type of bulbs to warm up. They will get brighter as they get warmer, patience is your friend with these bulbs. They will deliver the lumens that are on the package when they are fully warmed up.

P.S. --- these types of bulb are not good for outside use if the temp get really cold.

Answer 6

Yes, I was planning to buy them teh next time I need to buy bulbs, but we got them here at work, and holy dimness batman! You can barely see with them--I thought it was just our bulbs.

Answer 7

I went with all 100 watt. they actually burn at 26 watts but the others are just too dull. Also watch your warranties. They all claim long life, 7 years or more, but bump them a little and they are dead. Save your receipts and send in those warranties.

Answer 8

Wal-Mart sells them. FYI...The wattage rating is different than with conventional bulbs.

Answer 9

I use the 4100 kelvin color and am happy with them. They are very white and much better than the 3500 k.