Light Bulbs

[Haui]

I was over at my father-in-laws home over the weekend and we got into a discussion about saving money on utility bills. He encouraged me to purchase some fluorescent bulbs to replace my "normal" bulbs all over the house. He said the 60wt compariative bulb is only like 13wt fluorescent. He said they cost a little bit more, but last many years and save a ton on electric bills.

Is this so? If so, how much can I save?

Any other suggestions or comments?

I assume he is talking about the following:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn...74-LBP16AM2&lpage=none

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn...433-3-29392&lpage=none

Right?

 

[uallas5]

I use a lot of compact fluorescents. Look for energy star rebates near where they sell them. The rebates are instant and can bring the cost down to almost nothing. Also check with your utility company, a lot are offering similar deals, not only for bulbs but also entire light fixtures.

 

[Haui]

Now, do you have to replace your entire light fixture's just to use these bulbs?

 

[PepePeru]

i bought a few CFLs a few months ago, my dining room light fixture had 5 60w bulbs in it. now I have 2 CFLs and while its considerably less bright, its bright enough. I did the same for the ceiling fans upstairs. 1 CFL vs 3 incandsecents in the fixture.
In my experience, its hard to exactly guage how much money i'm saving, b/c ive also started turning off my computer when I'm at work and asleep, plus i've had to run the A/C a bit more last month.

 

[uallas5]

They have normal screw socket attachments. Well most do, some of the fixtures I mentioned might come with a diff type bulb. Unless the bulb specifically states its OK, you can't use them with dimmers or 3 ways. You can also get them in spot light form for outdoor use as well.

They're especially useful in areas like hallways where they might run for long periods of time. Not only do you get the energy saving, but not having to change them very often is a big plus.

 

[Tipsy Turtle]

I have tried CFL's in the past and been disapointed with the quality of the light and the fact that most take a while to warm up and get to their max light output.

 

[Haui]

Originally posted by: Tipsy Turtle
I have tried CFL's in the past and been disapointed with the quality of the light and the fact that most take a while to warm up and get to their max light output.

This I can deal with.........

Anyone recommend me a good brand or place to buy?

 

[uallas5]

Originally posted by: Tipsy Turtle
I have tried CFL's in the past and been disapointed with the quality of the light and the fact that most take a while to warm up and get to their max light output.

It's true that they're not as "instant" as a normal incandescent but that's something I'm willing to live with, and the ones out now are much faster than the ones only 2 or 3 years ago. Some people also don't like that the light isn't as "warm", but I like my interior lighting to be whiter vs yellow, just a matter of personal preference.

 

[uallas5]

Originally posted by: Haui

Originally posted by: Tipsy Turtle
I have tried CFL's in the past and been disapointed with the quality of the light and the fact that most take a while to warm up and get to their max light output.

This I can deal with.........

Anyone recommend me a good brand or place to buy?

I can't say about brands, I've usually just picked up whatever had the energy star rebate available. I usually go to Home Depot, mostly cause it's only 2 blocks away.

 

[Haui]

Originally posted by: uallas5

Originally posted by: Haui

Originally posted by: Tipsy Turtle
I have tried CFL's in the past and been disapointed with the quality of the light and the fact that most take a while to warm up and get to their max light output.

This I can deal with.........

Anyone recommend me a good brand or place to buy?

I can't say about brands, I've usually just picked up whatever had the energy star rebate available. I usually go to Home Depot, mostly cause it's only 2 blocks away.

These rebates......are they mail in or what? Please elaborate on this.

Also, has anyone had any problem switching from regular to cfl bulbs in NEW and OLDER homes?

 

[imported_Imp]

My home is about 100 years in age, wiring is literally falling apart/rotting. Switched over to CFLs for at least 7+ years now, and not a single problem. They work the same as incandescents, only issue is that the older long CFLs dont fit in some fixtures. Now they have the mini-spirals and they work great. Can't say exactly how much money you save, but it should be fairly significant. Lately, went from dual 60W incandescents to dual 13W in my 'den'. Can't say I've noticed a difference in light quality, but makes me feel better using more than 50% less juice.

 

[ElFenix]

the best bulbs i have found, by far, are the nvision brand at home depot. they're brighter and whiter when they first turn on than other CFL bulbs. they also offer a pretty long warranty.

as an example, for the month of april i averaged 17 kw-hrs per day. in may, even though it was 8 degrees warmer (77 v 85), i averaged 16 (due to installing lots of CFLs and changing the AC filters).

 

[FoBoT]

get the six pack, $9.95

 

[sixone]

I rarely use the lights in my house, as I prefer to have it dim than brightly lit. So I'm sticking with the GE Reveal bulbs, until someone comes out with the equivalent in a flourescent.

 

[uallas5]

Originally posted by: Haui
These rebates......are they mail in or what? Please elaborate on this.

Also, has anyone had any problem switching from regular to cfl bulbs in NEW and OLDER homes?

The rebates I've done were always instant, at the cash register kind. It involved filling out a from with the name and address of the electricity subscriber (they work through the utility company).

I've used them in buildings everything from about 100 years old to my condo which is 25. In fact I'm getting about a doz more from the condo assoc for free in a deal with the utility company and they're outfitting all the lights in public areas of the building.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: sixone
I rarely use the lights in my house, as I prefer to have it dim than brightly lit. So I'm sticking with the GE Reveal bulbs, until someone comes out with the equivalent in a flourescent.

nvision has one. they have 3 light types.

 

[Canai]

Every light in my house is CFL

I love them, especially the white/blue ones.

 

[BigJ]

Originally posted by: Imp
My home is about 100 years in age, wiring is literally falling apart/rotting. Switched over to CFLs for at least 7+ years now, and not a single problem. They work the same as incandescents, only issue is that the older long CFLs dont fit in some fixtures. Now they have the mini-spirals and they work great. Can't say exactly how much money you save, but it should be fairly significant. Lately, went from dual 60W incandescents to dual 13W in my 'den'. Can't say I've noticed a difference in light quality, but makes me feel better using more than 50% less juice.

No, they don't. CFLs have a ballast in the base of the bulb. This results in a bunch of operating restrictions. For example:

-Only certain bulbs can be used with dimmers
-You need timers specifically made for CFLs for them to work properly
-Photocell sensors will significantly reduce the life of the bulb
-Because of the ballast, they're much more susceptible to failure from vibration

Originally posted by: sixone
I rarely use the lights in my house, as I prefer to have it dim than brightly lit. So I'm sticking with the GE Reveal bulbs, until someone comes out with the equivalent in a flourescent.

They already have CFLs with the equivalent color temperature of the GE Reveal bulbs. At Home Depot, the product is N:Vision Daylight Bulbs. Only downside is there is not a dimmable version of this bulb yet.

 

[imported_Imp]

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: Imp
My home is about 100 years in age, wiring is literally falling apart/rotting. Switched over to CFLs for at least 7+ years now, and not a single problem. They work the same as incandescents, only issue is that the older long CFLs dont fit in some fixtures. Now they have the mini-spirals and they work great. Can't say exactly how much money you save, but it should be fairly significant. Lately, went from dual 60W incandescents to dual 13W in my 'den'. Can't say I've noticed a difference in light quality, but makes me feel better using more than 50% less juice.

No, they don't. CFLs have a ballast in the base of the bulb. This results in a bunch of operating restrictions. For example:

-Only certain bulbs can be used with dimmers
-You need timers specifically made for CFLs for them to work properly
-Photocell sensors will significantly reduce the life of the bulb
-Because of the ballast, they're much more susceptible to failure from vibration

You're probably right. But I was speaking in general terms in the context of my 100 year old house. That is, it has no dimmers, no timers, no photo cell sensors and I don't know in what type of house you'd get enough vibration to cause failure. And yes, you need special bulbs to work with dimmers and all other "non-standard"(on/off) fixtures.

 

[Haui]

Originally posted by: Imp
My home is about 100 years in age, wiring is literally falling apart/rotting. Switched over to CFLs for at least 7+ years now, and not a single problem. They work the same as incandescents, only issue is that the older long CFLs dont fit in some fixtures. Now they have the mini-spirals and they work great. Can't say exactly how much money you save, but it should be fairly significant. Lately, went from dual 60W incandescents to dual 13W in my 'den'. Can't say I've noticed a difference in light quality, but makes me feel better using more than 50% less juice.

So.....everyone vote Yes for me to get these bulbs?

What about this.....in our master bathroom I installed 5 100wt bulbs for the Mrs......so she can see when she puts on makeup, etc. However, I know its sucking the electric bill down and makes it FREAKING HOT in there. They are the "clear" bulbs. Do you guys suggest anything for this as well?

 

[BigJ]

Originally posted by: Imp

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: Imp
My home is about 100 years in age, wiring is literally falling apart/rotting. Switched over to CFLs for at least 7+ years now, and not a single problem. They work the same as incandescents, only issue is that the older long CFLs dont fit in some fixtures. Now they have the mini-spirals and they work great. Can't say exactly how much money you save, but it should be fairly significant. Lately, went from dual 60W incandescents to dual 13W in my 'den'. Can't say I've noticed a difference in light quality, but makes me feel better using more than 50% less juice.

No, they don't. CFLs have a ballast in the base of the bulb. This results in a bunch of operating restrictions. For example:

-Only certain bulbs can be used with dimmers
-You need timers specifically made for CFLs for them to work properly
-Photocell sensors will significantly reduce the life of the bulb
-Because of the ballast, they're much more susceptible to failure from vibration

You're probably right. But I was speaking in general terms in the context of my 100 year old house. That is, it has no dimmers, no timers, no photo cell sensors and I don't know in what type of house you'd get enough vibration to cause failure. And yes, you need special bulbs to work with dimmers and all other "non-standard"(on/off) fixtures.

Ever hear of ceiling fans?

 

[BigJ]

Originally posted by: Haui

Originally posted by: Imp
My home is about 100 years in age, wiring is literally falling apart/rotting. Switched over to CFLs for at least 7+ years now, and not a single problem. They work the same as incandescents, only issue is that the older long CFLs dont fit in some fixtures. Now they have the mini-spirals and they work great. Can't say exactly how much money you save, but it should be fairly significant. Lately, went from dual 60W incandescents to dual 13W in my 'den'. Can't say I've noticed a difference in light quality, but makes me feel better using more than 50% less juice.

So.....everyone vote Yes for me to get these bulbs?

What about this.....in our master bathroom I installed 5 100wt bulbs for the Mrs......so she can see when she puts on makeup, etc. However, I know its sucking the electric bill down and makes it FREAKING HOT in there. They are the "clear" bulbs. Do you guys suggest anything for this as well?

Do not put CFLs in the bathroom. Honestly, the tradeoffs just aren't worth it. Especially with women, you need the most light possible for grooming. It may be ok for you, but your wife is going to hate it if you put CFLs in the bathroom.

Best solution for this would be to put in some wall sconces and have them controlled from a separate switch. This way you can save money when you're in the bathroom, and she can use the bright globes when she is in there.

 

[Dulanic]

Originally posted by: Haui

Originally posted by: Imp
My home is about 100 years in age, wiring is literally falling apart/rotting. Switched over to CFLs for at least 7+ years now, and not a single problem. They work the same as incandescents, only issue is that the older long CFLs dont fit in some fixtures. Now they have the mini-spirals and they work great. Can't say exactly how much money you save, but it should be fairly significant. Lately, went from dual 60W incandescents to dual 13W in my 'den'. Can't say I've noticed a difference in light quality, but makes me feel better using more than 50% less juice.

So.....everyone vote Yes for me to get these bulbs?

What about this.....in our master bathroom I installed 5 100wt bulbs for the Mrs......so she can see when she puts on makeup, etc. However, I know its sucking the electric bill down and makes it FREAKING HOT in there. They are the "clear" bulbs. Do you guys suggest anything for this as well?

I use CFLs in every light in the house, well about 80% right now, will be 100% soon. I just bought the ones to replace the clear globes, they sell globe lights in CFL also but they will be white globes typically.

 

[imported_Imp]

Originally posted by: BigJ

Ever hear of ceiling fans?

Not a peep. Not only is my home super old, but people who 'own' said home will not allow anyone to attach anything to ANY wall studs or beams. So as you can see, anything post-1930 I have no knowledge of.

 

[Zolty]

I have 100w CF's in every spot I can put them (there are a few spots in our apartment that will not accommodate them).