Why do CFL's cost so much?

Question

I can't believe that they would cost so much! Where I live, one CFL costs $5.39 and a 4-PACK of regular bulbs costs $1.59!!!

I understand that they would be more expensive, but not this much!

one for $5, and four for $1...

Answer 1

Incandescent bulb; a little glass, a little aluminum, a twist of wire for an element, suck out the air.

CFL; a little glass, specially formed and coated on the inside with a mixture of rare earth elements and a trace of mercury. Electronic circuitry to transform 120VAC to several thousand volts AC to create and sustain an electrical arc within the tube to make those elements 'fluoresce'. Plastic casing for the electronics and a little aluminum.

Cheer up, when they were first introduced, they cost around $20. You can usually get a rebate from your local electric utility to offset part of the higher cost. They also reduce your cost of electricity to get the light by 75% or so.

Here's a link to a description of how a CFL works and the actual schematic diagram of the interior electronics.
http://www.nxp.com/acrobat_download/applicationnotes/AN98091_1.pdf

Compared to the same for an incandescent bulb.
http://www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/publications/equipment/lighting/section5.cfm?attr=0

Answer 2

It's very new technology, and they're really pushing the limits of fluorescent technology, using more exotic materials and manufacturing methods. We've been making round bulbs for decades, but not spiral bulbs. The only reason they bother mass producing them is that the energy savings, and resultant benefits to the environment, are so huge.

Answer 3

I bought a ton of these at a local major hardware store for 49 cents a piece. I think you should look for them to go on special.

The stores are jacking up the prices because people think they need them to save energy. People will spend $10 to save a nickel.