A light bulb question

[Bob_VT]

Re: A light bulb question

I guess I forgot to mention WHY I did this.....

I need to save energy to offset (or try to offset) the "scheduled" 8 1/2% increase in our local billing.

 

[jlinder]

Re: A light bulb question

I have gone to the CFLs in a number of places, but when determining what to use I also consider how long the bulb will be on at a time.

For example, if I have a powder room where the lights are only on for 5 min at a time a couple of times a day I go with incandescent bulbs. The CFL's don't reach full brightness until you are ready to shut off the light, so I would have to have bigger bulbs to offset the brightness.

Couple that with a total on time of about 15 min a day the 80w or so difference makes for a difference of about 7.3KWH a year - somewhere around $1/year. Not enough to warrant having a pale yellow light while in there.

Add to that the questions about recycling of the CFL and what it does to the environment and it does not make sense. At least until we get CFLs that come on faster.

 

[dolluper]

Re: A light bulb question

Hehe Bob...they work carpy up here in the C O L D north....I haven't mastered my one finger typing yet so spelling is second on the list LOL's

 

[mscher]

Re: A light bulb question

Well...... read the fine print. I was reading on the GE web site and the "cost savings" takes into account the regular light bulb replacement costs http://www.gelighting.com/na/home_lighting/products/energy_smart.htm and it is over a period of time. I know it is not an instant savings and not as effective as other measures.

The link information example assumes that CFL bulb cost over $3.50 each. That being the case, payback would certainly take a long time.

Many CFL bulbs can be purchased for around $1.25 nowdays.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: A light bulb question

The link information example assumes that CFL bulb cost over $3.50 each. That being the case, payback would certainly take a long time.

Many CFL bulbs can be purchased for around $1.25 nowdays.

Do you know that GE, Sylvania and all the major lighting "manufacturer's" have these labeled and imported from China, not one made in the U.S.

Sylvania shut down their CFL factory in Danvers, Mass quite a few years ago.

Many of the 1.25 or less CFLs are very poor quality and do not even meet their LPW statements (Lumens Per Watt) that are on the box. Many never see anywhere near the 10,000 average rated life either.

The FTC and D.O.E. are getting very serious about the labeling of lighting products, and in fact the FTC fined a L.E.D. company MILLIONS of dollars as their product claims were grossly exaggerated in spec sheets and on the packaging.

The energy regulations that come into effect in 2012 are really shaking up the lighting world, and sadly consumers will have to pay a LOT more for their lighting products...