A Lightbulb Joke?

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

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]

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]

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]

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!