How many minutes energy does it take to turn on an energy efficient light bulb?

Question

That does make sense doesn't it!?!

I have heard that energy efficient light bulbs use 30 mins worth of energy to light but are more efficient to keep running. Is this right? If so, should I be using normal bulbs in areas like halls and bathrooms where you don't have the light on very long?

Answer 1

A good question...made me wonder. Apparently not true though...seems that the myth originated with the original fluorescent tubes - and even then it was incorrect. See the link below... That says that start up is equivalent to about one minute of operating time. And that newer versions are even more efficient!

Answer 2

Somebody's been playing with your head. It typically takes a second or less for a CFL to start up. If it were using 30 minutes worth of energy, it would be using 1800 times its rated power in that second. A 10-watt bulb would use 18 kilowatts to start. And not explode or throw a breaker or blow a fuse. Does this make any sense? It's possible the startup power is somewhat higher than the running power, maybe by as much as 5 times, but I'd be suspicious of any claim that it used up even 30 seconds worth of running power. So use CFLs in every socket. Now that you can find them for as little as 2 or 3 times the cost of filament bulbs, and their typical lifespans are 5 to 10 times as long, it's a no-brainer.