cfl lightbulbs

[brianhos]

Can anyone else not stand these stupid things? They burn out all the time! I thought they were 5x the price because they last like 5 years. I have not had a single one make it more than a year.

And you are not supposed to just throw them away, wtf am I supposed to do with the dozen of them I have?

[Clonehomer]

I've had mine in for 3.5 years now. Are you using the correct wattage bulb that what the light is rated for?

[clones_jer]

I've only had 1 burn out in 2 years of using them ... and that was on a dimmer switch. If they are on a dimmer switch and they're not specially made for it they'll be toast in no time (3 weeks for mine). They also make a faint buzzing sound if the switch is not fully on or off.

[michaelrr1]

None of mine have burned out yet after a couple of years

[SeattleClone]

I have a couple in floor lamps that I've had for several years with no problems. I only turn those lamps on maybe once a week though, but I've never heard of longevity issues with the bulbs. Clonesjer is right about the dimmer switch, I've also heard that fully enclosed fixtures aren't good for them, I'm guessing due to ventilation issues- ballasts get hot. But, since they're not made out of concrete or structural steel, I can't really offer any insight.

[cychhosis]

I've replace two... Head butted one and dropped my touble light. They have a cool glow after they're broken.

[clonefarmer]

I've had very good luck with mine. I even use them in unheated buildings successfully.

[CyinCo]

They should last. Make sure you buy name brands. There are a lot of lamps coming from china and other markets that don't perform as well.

You are not supposed to dispose of them in your normal garbage but I'm betting most people do. The CFL contain a trace amount of mercury (it's what makes the lamp work). All fluorescent lamps contain mercury and have since they started using them everywhere back in the 70s. That includes all the lamps in office buildings. Commerical lamps are usually disposed of in a proper way.

[cmoneyr]

I'm in the no burnouts for almost 2 years crowd. I'm a fan.

[4VR4CY]

Ours haven't burnt out, but I hate it when they take some time to "warm up" or actually get bright. I don't hate it enough to change back, but sometimes I need some bright light when I turn on the lights, not a dull glow for a while before it brightens.

[CyinCo]

Ours haven't burnt out, but I hate it when they take some time to "warm up" or actually get bright. I don't hate it enough to change back, but sometimes I need some bright light when I turn on the lights, not a dull glow for a while before it brightens.

The newest lamps feature "instant on". Look for GE.

[dmclone]

Same here, no problems. I have bought a couple that buzzed so I just put them outside.

[Landshark]

My decorative ones for the bathroom are pure crap, they don't last long. Is it 2012 when all light bulbs have to be the cfl's?

All others though have worked fine. The decorative ones I use for the bathroom are the white round ones above the mirror. Not only do they not last long, you can see the curly fluorescent bulb inside of it.

[SeattleClone]

My decorative ones for the bathroom are pure crap, they don't last long. Is it 2012 when all light bulbs have to be the cfl's?

All others though have worked fine. The decorative ones I use for the bathroom are the white round ones above the mirror. Not only do they not last long, you can see the curly fluorescent bulb inside of it.

Don't worry, you can get a special converter box with a government coupon, and all your old bulbs will still work.

[SMG]

I put them in all my hog houses. I have some that have been on constantly for over 3 years and still going. The green lite brand is priced right and seem to last good for me. If you buy them in quantity(50), Alliant will give you half your money back in form of a rebate.

SMG