Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Mark Donovan of HomeAdditionPlus.com discusses the energy and cost saving benefits of using compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL bulbs).

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• cfl bulbs
• cfl bulb
• cfl lighting
• energystar

[TheBionicHugo]

Here is an experiment to try...

Use a digital caliper or similar electronic device, and hold the device within 3 to 5 feet of a CFL twisty bulb. Then watch the fun begin. Then hold the digital calipers up to a microwave oven. The calipers have to be directly up against the microwave chamber to create the same effect. I think there are excessive EMFs (Electromagnetic Field) emitting from the CFL, which is why we do NOT install the twistys unless they are at least 8 feet away from human traffic.

[Varyalover]

Yup, it lasts 10 times shorter, and you save like 30cents of electricity, and lose like 7$ , also thye take 89% more energy to make then you save when using them.PROVEN fact.

[stewartx5]

Governments worldwide imposing change to fluorescent without policing false claims by manufacturers. Fluorescent lamps never truly equal the visible light output of incandescent bulbs at the wattage equality level claimed, so consumers spend more for less light while manufacturers reap profits from expensive fluorescent lamps. Brighter fluorescent lamps use more electricity, so don't really save money (cost added to electric bill) or benefit the environment all that much.

[lrd9999]

Major health risks? Dental fillings have hundreds of times as much mercury, and they went right into the mouth. In years past, so did batteries, paint, thermometers and light switches. These were not much of a problem for people who took reasonable precautions. CFLs are a trivial risk in comparison.

PS: I differ from the narrator on one point; it's probably best not to vacuum the site of a breakage until after it has aired out for a few weeks.

[lrd9999]

I replaced all my bulbs with CFLs about 12 years ago. At first, a bunch of them failed, but the ones that survived the first year lasted a long time. Even the cheap ones have held up well for me.

[jackburton2009]

Because they are hazardous if broken, I like to use them outside where applicable, like porch lights. Inside I use double-life incandescents and just don't leave them on all the time.

If you're the kind of person that likes to leave lights on for extending periods, get CFLs.

[finno123456]

I had four osram energy bulbs the three are still going to this day there about 10yrs old and still as bright. I have cfls fitted all around the house because in ireland thay will be getting rid of the Incandescent light bulbs. If you use a 11w cfl it will give you plenty of light = 60w in a Incandescent bulb

[tadjuz]

i prefer to use regular bulbs. especially now when i heard from you that CFL bulbs contain a mercury in them.that unsafe to have in a house around kids.

[THEREIZNOGOD]

me too!! CFLs give your house, a cold, lonely, empty, dark, gas station feel. i hate them and use them only in utility rooms in areas where they won't easily break since they contain mercury and pose major health risks if broken! i like my regular bulbs!!!

[HomeAdditionPlus]

There are a number of factors that can influence the life of a compact fluorescent light bulb. One factor that can significantly reduce the life of a CFL bulb is if it is turned on for short periods of time, e.g. the bulb is on a switch that is frequently being turned on and off. For example, a compact fluorescent light bulb that is only cycled on for 5 minutes at a time, on average, could see an 85% reduction in the bulbs lifespan.

Mechanical shock & voltage can effect the ife as well.