florescent light bulbs

**Dave'sGirl** · 01-21-2008, 07:08 AM

I was told that the florescent bulbs were cheaper than incadescent bulbs, but that they had to be left on longer cuz constant turning on and off was using more power to start the light. I'm guessing because of the starter/balast used to power these bulbs.

So now I'm confused about these new energy saving bulbs. Do they have to be left on to really see a difference in your electric usage? The new bulbs don't flicker while getting started like the long tube bulbs, so I'm guessing they don't have starters in them?

I guess another question is, are the new squirly tubes the same as the long tubes???

**JohnH** · 01-21-2008, 08:15 AM

1) Over the lifetime of a CFL you would spend more money buying incandescent bulbs so yes CFLs are cheaper in the long run. Unfortunately, many people only see the price per unit and are put off by the apparent high prices of CFLs.

2) Urban myth and nonsense. If there is any initial power surge then it is such a short surge that it makes no real difference. A CFL uses a tenth the power of its incandescent equivalent.

I replaced 100W incandescents with 9W CLFs over 12 years ago and they are still going. Yes, it has made a saving. I turn them on when needed and off immediately when they are not needed.

They come in all shapes and sizes. Newer ones are even shaped like standard globe shaped incandescents.

Remember though, that lighting is the least of your electricity usage. Unless you have 150-200W bulbs all over the place and leave them all on 24/7.

Your biggest power use is the fridge. Downsizing it to an energy efficient one will save money. Buying food just-in-time and cooking from scratch rather than buying ready meals that need to be kept in a fridge will save a lot more on electricity. Those big two door monsters use 1500 to 2000W per day.

Buy a 30W LCD television to replace the 200W CRT television. That is a big saving in power.

Getting rid of silly outdoor halogen lights that come on when a cat walks through the garden is a saving. If anyone visits me then their own car lights provide all the illumination they need.

I'd recommend a power meter. It plugs into the wall socket and then you plug your appliance into the meter. You can then check how much power each appliance uses. You may get a few shocks and then decide what you don't want, what needs to be used less, what needs to be switched off at the wall when not in use and what can be thrown out of the window.

**Dave'sGirl** · 01-21-2008, 08:29 AM

Thanks John, very helpful reply! Time to re-think saving energy here!

**JohnH** · 01-21-2008, 08:33 AM

Originally Posted by Dave'sGirl

Thanks John, very helpful reply! Time to re-think saving energy here!

My pleasure.

**philocrates** · 01-21-2008, 10:55 AM

All I can add is we use bare usage except in the winter with space heaters to help heating where needed. All appliances are plugged into strips that can be turned on and off when not in use. I changed all the bulbs to the funky looking ones [the other half is in trouble, she bought replacements of regular bulbs which we don't use because "They were cheap" ] My electric bill after it warms up say May until like.. well November is about 16 to 20 dollars a month. However we are also a Co-op out here. Our rates went up 5% last year. My sister who is not in the co-op is still crying over their new rates. Thank heavens for Rural Co-ops.

**Cricketlegs** · 01-25-2008, 12:47 PM

I use those bulbs and I have replaced my appliances with enegry star new ones.

It does make a difference.

My dishwasher running 4 loads a week costs $21 a year in energy and uses only 6 gallons of water per usuage.

My fridge and washer and dryer are energy star too.

**freyadog** · 01-25-2008, 01:07 PM

we also use those bulbs. even our porch lights. we've used them for years. our lights went from the first house we bought in Las Vegas, to the second house in Vegas(too expensive to leave behind) and then here to Va. and we havent replaced one yet. We are talking here about a good 10 years maybe more.

**molly** · 01-25-2008, 02:03 PM

I'm not crazy about these new bulbs, I can't see with them at all. I need to burn several to have the same light I did with one. I replaced all the lights in the house a year and half ago and saw about a 20 dollar month saving. I don't know how much I am saving now as I am burning 3 bulbs in every room instead of one. I hate thel low light from these bulbs so much. They also are not lasting in some rooms. The one I don't understand is the bathroom. I have replaced this bulb for the 3rd time, and we don't leave the light on , as we are a house of light turner offers! I've also replaced the dining room light and the 2 of the lamps.

So what gives?

**CristiK** · 01-25-2008, 06:09 PM

We replaced our porch lights with CFL something like 4 years ago...still going strong and the indoor lights all got switched about 2 months ago...
Molly...I don't know why your lights are not giving off enough light. Ours give off alot. The ones we put into the bathroom fixtures are almost blinding, I am even thinking of switching those to a lower wattage equiv. so that it isn't quite so bright. We bought the ones that come in a 4 pack at Walmart for less then 10.00 a pack. Now I did buy one that is made to look like a regular lighbulb because the lamp shade clips on to it so the swirly ones won't work. It takes about 30 seconds to warm up and you see it brightening but it also gives off plenty of light. Do you possibly have older wiring that may need checking on?