The CFL Lie
You know the story, compact Fluorescent lamps (CFLs) cost more up front, but consume less electricity. They allegedly last far longer than regular bulbs, so over the lifetime of the bulb, you save money.
Well, two more CFLs just went bad in our living room. Based on my (non-scientific) observations, these things burn out as fast as — or faster than — old school incandescent bulbs. Thus, no cost savings.
Bring on LEDs…
I’ll continue using CFLs for the near future just to reduce consumption of coal generated power, but LED bulbs cannot get here soon enough. Unless, of course, low-quality LEDs end up failing as fast as CFLs.
I think the real problem here is cheap manufacturing reality versus theoretical lifespan. A well-made CFL or LED should last a lot longer than an incandescent bulb. But without any regulation or easy way for a consumer to know which products actually live up to the exaggerated claims, your mileage will vary significantly.
GE actually makes the best. I replaced about 80% of the bulbs in my home when I moved in (2005). All receive regular use, and aside from me knocking a lamp over, I have not had to replace any.
Thanks, Jay. I’ll look for those specifically. I’ve typically just bought random bulbs from Home Depot or Wal Mart.
Eric,
I have had the same problems with the cheap bulbs. I have problems with the bulbs being too white and with them not being full bright when first turned on.
I don’t know how to tell if a CFL is a good or bad one before I buy it, so I have given up using them in main areas of my home.
I still use them in closets and basement lights.
Make sure you only buy CFLs that are Energy Star certified…
@Yeroc, I do. That is what is most disappointing. According to the Energy Star web site, in order to receive the rating, one criteria is the so-called “instant-on” feature. Yet many bulbs I’ve bought that DO HAVE this rating DO NOT start right away, instead there is a very noticeable delay.
I believe this is exactly the point I’m making: consumers are being lied to by manufacturers. They claim to be Energy Star, they claim to be more reliable, blah blah blah. Yet the products do not live up to the claims.
If you call the company they will replace the bulb (the box always has a 7-9 year promise). I probably replace 4/yr in my house but haven’t bought any from the store in 2 years.
It takes ~6 weeks, but like I said I’ve probably had 8-10 replaced.
You could be the next Ralph Nader of CFL! Afterward you could run for president and split the democratic, independent, and green party vote. Then we’d never get out of Iraq and my 10 year old would get drafted 8 years later. Hillary would be p*ssed, and blame you! She’d send some thugs over to your house to smash all of your CFL’s. That would be more expensive because they’d all be off warranty by then…..
CFL’s are fine like anything made by man they fail, the product has a 7-9 year warranty, use the darn warranty any experience the savings. The manufacturers expect you to forget about the warranty and just buy replacement bulbs whenever. The mercury…less than all the 2-8Ft fluorescent bulbs that are in 98% of all the retail,commercial and some residential buildings Based on actual facts, not non-scientific observations, stop looking for cheap (quality) products and look for good inexpensive (cost) products by reliable manufacturers and retailers; GE and Home Depot. Let’s stop chasing sound bites built from slow news days like the “CFL lie” story.