Energy saving light bulbs, hype or not? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Hatterasguy · #1 02-19-2007, 03:16 PM

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000LW1DD0/ref=dp_olp_2/002-2818766-0447235

Are these things hype, or do they actualy use less juice?

GermanStar · #2 02-19-2007, 03:21 PM

Read the title: ElectroCFL Spiral CFL60 Energy Saving Light (uses 15W = 60W output) -- 12 Pack Bundle (Total 24 Bulbs)

Yeah, they consume less power, they're fluorescent. They'll last 5+ years, too.

A264172 · #3 02-19-2007, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000LW1DD0/ref=dp_olp_2/002-2818766-0447235

Are these things hype, or do they actualy use less juice?

They use a lot less electricty. They take a minute to warm up and put off the full rated amount of lumens but you will notice the difference in the electric bill if you replace a few... also, they last a lot longer than conventional bulbs so you will save money on replacement costs over the life of the bulb in addition to saving electricty.

Dubyagee · #4 02-19-2007, 03:30 PM

I am running a few throughout the house. Noticed a decent change in the bill.

Only downside to the ones i am running (Westinghouse) is they take a minute to reach full brightness.

mgburg · #5 02-19-2007, 03:30 PM

I've replaced every incadescent w/flourescents except for the outdoor units. Since 1998 (The kid had been out of the house for over 1-1/2 years), my electric bill went from $120.00-$130.00 per month, down to $75.00-$90.00 per month.

And if you look around, you'll sometimes find really good bargains on some decent bulbs. Even better savings.

During the past few years, the prices on flourescents seem to be dropping more and more.

jlomon · #6 02-19-2007, 03:30 PM

I have them all over my house in the commonly used lights, and they're great. A few things to keep in mind though:

1) They all don't burn with the same colour. Some are more to the yellow end that you get with an incandescent bulb, some are white, some have a blueish tinge to them. Be careful when you buy, and read the package. The larger home suppy stores tend to have a big display with the bulbs actually turned on so you can see what colour they are. The wrong colour can completely change the way you feel about the paint colour in your room.

2) You can't put them in a fixture that uses a dimmer. They buzz like crazy.

3) When disposing of them, they should really go to a hazzardous waste facility because they contain mercury.

A264172 · #7 02-19-2007, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlomon

...
2) You can't put them in a fixture that uses a dimmer. They buzz like crazy.
...

They also can cause a fire if used in a dimmer application.
They now have CF's designed for use in a dimmer app, I haven't tried them yet but plan to when I get out to the hardware store next.

Mistress · #8 02-19-2007, 03:42 PM

I can't stand the light those things put out----I feel like I'm in an office or prison....I'll stick to the regular ones. I am from that generation where you turned lights on and off when you went into or left a room- my heart goes out to you guys who have kids and are trying to teach them this.

A264172 · #9 02-19-2007, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mistress

I can't stand the light those things put out----I feel like I'm in an office or prison....I'll stick to the regular ones. I am from that generation where you turned lights on and off when you went into or left a room- my heart goes out to you guys who have kids and are trying to teach them this.

I agree that a 60 watt 'real' bulb seems to put out better light than a 60 watt rated CF... but I would rather use 2 60 CF's and get more light at half the electric cost's. I can live with the kind of light they put out... and as someone said there are a few different options out there.

mgburg · #10 02-19-2007, 03:57 PM

Watch out for the dimmer-bug!

First, yes, only proper bulbs made for dimming can be used on dimming circuits.

BUT, the dimming circuits (and the components within the circuit itself...) have to be designed for use in dimmable-flourescent fixtures (the ballasts and the dimmers themselves used have to be dimmer-circuit-certified)...otherwise, you're dealing with a potential fire hazard.

PLEASE CONSULT A KNOWLEDGEABLE LIGHTING CONTRACTOR WHEN GETTING INTO THIS PARTICULAR AREA...TOO LITTLE EXPERIENCE COULD BURN UP SOME EXPENSE PROPERTY, LET ALONE HURT/KILL SOMEONE.

I've, personally, have removed some of these circuits when I found them. The folks thought they "...smelled something hot..." It was hot...the wiring and the dimmer switches themselves. They thought "...it was suppose to run warm like that..."

Some warmth is present in most dimming circuits, but not "frying-eggs-warm" like I felt.

And if you're going this way, expect to pay some fine dollars for the convenience...these ballasts and dimmers, for flourescent fixtures, are NOT CHEAP!!!

Enjoy!

#11 02-19-2007, 04:17 PM

I am on Toledo Edison (one of the top three highest electric utilities in the US) and my bill has dropped $10-15 per month since I switched to compact fluorescents about four years ago. I have had problems with many of compact fluorescents that are greater than a 75W incandescent not lasting very long at all. These were purchased at Wal-Mart and Lowes. The bases seem to get hot and burnout, even the ones in my cool basement. I recommend using the full spectrum/natural light type. The light is so much better. Lately, I have been purchasing all of my compact fluorescents at 1000bulbs.com. So far all of the bulbs from this place have lasted. I believe that you have to make a minimum of a $40 order with this company.

Larry Delor · #12 02-19-2007, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dubyagee

...they take a minute to reach full brightness.

Kinda like me in the morning

I like them not only for the decrease in energy usage, but also for the fact that they put out alot less heat, and therefor my A/C doesn't have to work so hard. Those watts add up.

Botnst · #13 02-19-2007, 04:23 PM

I bought a bunch at Harbor Freight and replaced most of the incandescent bulbs in the house. The Harbor Freights last a lot longer than the incandescent and cost a lot less than typical fluorescent bulbs. I haven't noticed a significant drop in energy usage. Like Mistress, I'm from the "turn it off when you leave the room" school and have inflicted my parsimony on my kids, so they turn-off lights, too.

B

GermanStar · #14 02-19-2007, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mistress

I can't stand the light those things put out----I feel like I'm in an office or prison....I'll stick to the regular ones. I am from that generation where you turned lights on and off when you went into or left a room- my heart goes out to you guys who have kids and are trying to teach them this.

I don't know what kind you've tried or how long ago, but the bulbs I have put out a very soft, warm light, even easier on the eyes than soft incandescent bulbs.

kerry · #15 02-19-2007, 06:20 PM

I've been using them since about 1988 when I first converted all the outside fixtures in a 250 unit condo development that I managed to compact fluorescents. There were probably around 100 bulbs in the complex and the conversion cut my bulb replacement work to virtually nothing. I started using them in my own property shortly thereafter. There is a big difference in quality between brands. Some in my house are still working 17yrs later when others failed in less than 2 yrs.