A Lightbulb Joke?

Exile · #1 (**permalink**) 01-13-2008, 06:47 PM

In an effort to conserve energy, DW and I started replacing our incandescent lights with flourescent bulbs a couple years ago. I think enough time has passed since then to compare their respective efficiency levels. The results: It seems that flourescent lighting doesn't last a great deal longer before burning out. These bulbs which are touted as having a life span of a couple yers don't hold up nearly that long.

Are the supposed savings in energy and dollars an exaggeration at best or even an outright scam?

SnoopyCool · #2 (**permalink**) 01-13-2008, 07:20 PM

Dunno. I've only had mine in a year, at best.

zakity · #3 (**permalink**) 01-13-2008, 08:06 PM

We have had CF bulbs that have lasted since we put them in back in 1999.

mom-from-missouri · #4 (**permalink**) 01-13-2008, 08:45 PM

I brought mine with me when I moved. Most are since 2000-some are newer as this house is bigger.

Russ G · #5 (**permalink**) 01-14-2008, 02:14 AM

I agree with the OP, the low energy bulbs don't always last as long as everyone would have you believe.

I've had a few fail including one which gave off a strong burning smell and smoke!! My experience is that if they don't fail in the first month or two then they'll generally be OK for a couple of years.

PrincessPerky · #6 (**permalink**) 01-14-2008, 08:54 AM

I wonder how you know which ones are good..we have CF in the bedroom, put there when my oldest (5yo) was a baby..so we like em.

I don't have any to look on the package to see what the brand or rating is....I wonder if they burn out really quick it has to do with the wiring not the bulb?

atomicrc11 · #7 (**permalink**) 01-14-2008, 09:03 AM

Comnpact Flourescent bulbs are just a transitional technology anyway. The real tech is going to be LED based bulbs which are more energy efficient and will cost less. However, CF bulbs are very good. I have some from 2000 that take a good 90 seconds to glow brightly because they are so old. At Costco or other warehouse clubs you can get the bulbs for about $1 each and they definitely beat a 50 cent incandescent bulb.

Broken Arrow · #8 (**permalink**) 01-14-2008, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atomicrc11

Comnpact Flourescent bulbs are just a transitional technology anyway. The real tech is going to be LED based bulbs which are more energy efficient and will cost less. However, CF bulbs are very good. I have some from 2000 that take a good 90 seconds to glow brightly because they are so old. At Costco or other warehouse clubs you can get the bulbs for about $1 each and they definitely beat a 50 cent incandescent bulb.

Well, this may be true some day, but for now, LEDs are the most expensive option out there. I mean this in terms of price per lumens, although I understand they are much more reliable and are somewhat more energy efficient.

In my opinion, for LEDs to be on par with CFLs, two things have to happen: They have to become brighter and cheaper. It's capable of one or the other, but not at the same time.

For now, I use CFLs in the house, but all of my flashlights are in LEDs.

Oh, and to answer the original question, I've had some for almost 3 years now. So far so good.

disneysteve · #9 (**permalink**) 01-14-2008, 12:41 PM

Older CFLs had problems with light output and delays when turned on before getting to full brightness. Today's CFLs are much better, and cheaper.

One thing to be aware of, though, is what the lifespan rating actually says. You need to read the small print. I just bought 2 CFLs last week for our outside light fixtures. The package, in large print, said they last 9 years. The small print, though, said that is based on usage for 3 hours per day. Since our front lights are typically on for 9-11 hours/day, I only expect them to last about 3 years. But I'll be quite happy with that as I know they use a fraction of the energy so they are saving me on electricity and the bulbs that are in hard to reach fixtures don't need to be changed as often.

Caoineag · #10 (**permalink**) 01-14-2008, 12:57 PM

We are going on 5+ years with our CFL's and these are in places where we were changing regular bulbs once per year.

I am betting you were unfortunate enough to get some damaged bulbs if they burned out that quickly.

Exile · #11 (**permalink**) 01-15-2008, 06:31 PM

Thanks to all for your input. BTW I never really noticed the fine print on the inner flap qulaifying the life span claim on the label.

disneysteve · #12 (**permalink**) 01-15-2008, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Exile

I never really noticed the fine print on the inner flap qulaifying the life span claim on the label.

That fine print will get you every time.

The Budget Man · #13 (**permalink**) 01-15-2008, 07:22 PM

Q: How many customer service representatives does it take to change a
lightbulb?
A: 5. One to incorrectly diagnose the problem, 2 to repeat the first
rep's notes to the customer, and one to inform the customer that the
lightbulb changing service is no longer available in that location.

Q. How Many Dogs Does It Take to Change A Light Bulb?
A1. Golden Retriever: The sun is shining, the day is young, we've got our
whole lives ahead of us, and you're inside worrying about a stupid
burned out bulb?
A2. Border Collie: Just one. And then I'll replace any wiring that's not
up to code.
A3. Dachshund: You know I can't reach that stupid lamp!
A4. Rottweiler: Make me.
A5. Boxer: Who cares? I can still play with my squeaky toys in the dark.
A6. Lab: Oh, me, me!!!!! Pleeeeeeeeeze let me change the light bulb! Can
I? Can I? Huh? Huh? Huh? Can I? Pleeeeeeeeeze, please, please, please!
A7. German Shepherd: I'll change it as soon as I lead these people from
the dark, check to make sure I haven't missed any, and make just one
more perimeter patrol to see that no one has tried to take advantage of
the situation.
A8. Jack Russell Terrier: I'll just pop it in while I'm bouncing off the
walls and furniture.
A9. Old English Sheep Dog: Light bulb? I'm sorry, but I don't see a light
bulb?
A10. Cocker Spaniel: Why change it? I can still pee on the carpet in the
dark.
A11. Chihuahua: Yo quiero Taco Bulb.
A12. Pointer: I see it, there it is, there it is, right there ...
A13. Greyhound: It isn't moving. Who cares?
A14. New Zealand Sheep Dog: First, I'll put all the light bulbs in a
little cluster...
A15. Toy Poodle: I'll just blow in the Border Collie's ear and he'll do
it. By the time he finishes rewiring the house, my nails will be dry.

The Cat's Answer: "Dogs do not change light bulbs. People change light
bulbs. So, the real question is: How long will it be before I can expect
some light, some dinner, and a massage?"

ALL OF WHICH PROVES, ONCE AGAIN, THAT WHILE DOGS HAVE MASTERS, CATS HAVE
STAFF.

Broken Arrow · #14 (**permalink**) 01-16-2008, 06:02 AM

Hilarious, budget man! Especially A6. Thanks for sharing!

nanamom · #15 (**permalink**) 01-16-2008, 06:37 PM

I like the joke I used to have a collection of about 100 lightbulb jokes along time ago.
I also don't see that they take longer to burn out. I admit my lights are on more than the average (I have a little one who doesn't cope with dark) but still they don't seem to last as long as I had expected.

Joan.of.the.Arch · #16 (**permalink**) 01-16-2008, 07:47 PM

We've had some bad CFL's, for sure. Wish I could remember the brand. Was really miffed about the expensive, specially shaped ones in my living room as they started dimming out and turning orange long before their time. But a gift replaced them with apparently higher quality ones.

Does anyone use them outdoors? I do, but I've always suspected they aren't intended for outdoor use and it does seem like they burn out quickly on my front porch.

Exile · #17 (**permalink**) 01-16-2008, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Budget Man

Q: How many customer service representatives does it take to change a
lightbulb?
A: 5. One to incorrectly diagnose the problem, 2 to repeat the first
rep's notes to the customer, and one to inform the customer that the
lightbulb changing service is no longer available in that location.

As a former collections-CSR now retired and living in the Philippines in a mixed residential/ business (mainly call centers) area, I loved that one. BTW the CSR agents here--and there thousands in working in this community--are on average in their mid 20's, but so-o irresponsible, trashing the area with cigarette butts and other litter, boisterous behavior, etc. It's like a page out of Lord of the Flies. What a bunch of spoiled brats!

disneysteve · #18 (**permalink**) 01-17-2008, 05:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joan.of.the.Arch

Does anyone use them outdoors? I do, but I've always suspected they aren't intended for outdoor use and it does seem like they burn out quickly on my front porch.

I do. I've got 3 outside and they definitely have lasted way longer than traditional bulbs. I just replaced 2 of them last week. The 3rd is still going strong and has been in for well over a year, maybe close to 2 years. I think the CFLs actually do better outside because I think the delicate filament in an incandescent bulb is more affected by temperature changes, but that's just my personal theory. I don't know if there is scientific evidence for that.

The package for the bulbs I just bought said the minimum temperature for operation is -20 degrees Fahrenheit.

myrdale · #19 (**permalink**) 01-19-2008, 09:21 PM

I have replaced all mine with CF bulbs and they have lasted about a year so far. I have only had one go out on me because I hit it with a quilt while making my bed. So I owned that up to my own fault.

The brand of CF I am using is n:Vision and they came from HomeDepot. I think they were $8 each or so at the time. Then a couple months ago they had the same bulb for sale in packs of 3 for $7. Just my luck ><.

Also, read on the package. these bulbs are generally guarenteed for 5 to 9 years. If it does fail before that time, take it back to the store where you bought it and get a new one!