Incandescent Bulbs Going Away

[LCHIEN]

well, the good news is that the looming ban on incandescents will pour more money into LED R&D

[DJehlik]

Do the CFLs still use mercury as a component? How about recycling?

[leehljp]

DIMMABLES CFLs: I don't have dimmables in my house but a co-worker does. I visited him last spring and again just recently. His are working fine and he has had his installed for about 2 years. He is a little finicky about some things and if he is satisfied then it must be working OK.

COLOR: There are three basic colors available here in Japan, the amber/reddish light, the blueish lights and one that is in-between. I buy the in-between ones and they do great for us.

UNMENTIONED Savings - heat reduction: Marc (Black Wallnut) did mention this for his area. I can not quantify the savings difference for us, but it seems like I get far more electricity savings than the difference in CFL vs incandescent itself. The differences in AC cooling usage has been outstanding. Since converting to CFL three years ago, our summer (May - Sept) electricity usage SAVINGS has been equivalent to $150 - 200.00 a month over pre-CFL. That strongly suggests less AC usage as well as the savings from CFL vs Incandescents. And we have had electricity charges increases reflecting higher rates too.

Oh, And I have replaced only 2 bulbs in 3 years. We have two types of bulbs here, $6 / $7. bulbs and $10 / 12 bulbs. Both bulbs that have been replaced were the cheaper ones. The more expensive ones, in cold weather, reach their brightness factor in about 10 to 15 seconds versus 30 seconds/1 minute over the cheaper ones. That alone is not enough to warrant the extra expense but it does reflect the overall quality and so far none of the higher priced ones have displayed any symptoms of going out or getting weaker.

We also have one day here every month and CFL bulbs of all types are collected as part of garbage along with all kinds of batteries.

I replaced 24 or 25 bulbs in my USA house (North Mississippi) this past May when we were there. Our daughter, who lives there, said that the summer utility bills were cheaper this past summer than the previous summer by about 20%.

If you are in an area similar to Marcs where AC is not needed much, then the switch to CFLs will mean more or higher heating costs. I think because we all grew up with incandescents, we mostly take for granted the heat generated from them and our life style is built around it.

LEDs: I do think that there will be another revolution in about 10 years or so in which LED bulbs will overtake the CFLs. The vast majority of traffic signal lights here are LEDs and LED lights are being seen in almost everything but in room light bulb usage. Huge advertising video screens are in many places in electronic and shopping districts here. The technology for LEDs have gone beyond the experimental stage. I see more LEDs in use and for sale for commercial purposes here than I see CFLs in the US. Granted, I look for and notice things like this more than a casual shopper.

One problems that I am seeing in the US of A is the slowness to adapt. It used to be that the US was the leader in technology adaption. Cell phones lines here are refreshed with new model every 3 months. Camera's and other electronic devices are refreshed at least every 6 months. LOML and I bought a mini VCR camera in Japan in '89 that was not introduced to the US until '91.

[Uncle Cracker]

One problems that I am seeing in the US of A is the slowness to adapt. It used to be that the US was the leader in technology adaption. Cell phones lines here are refreshed with new model every 3 months. Camera's and other electronic devices are refreshed at least every 6 months. LOML and I bought a mini VCR camera in Japan in '89 that was not introduced to the US until '91.

I think part of it is that we capitalists are quick to jump on to new revenue streams, but not so fast to change to those where new revenue is offset by losses in the older, existing sector. Lateral mobility, if you will.

[Ed62]

I just read an article on using CFLs. It said not to buy the bulb based on the manufacturer's recommendation as to which one will give the equivalent of say, a 100 watt incandescent. They recommend using lumens for comparison. Then add 20% for CFLs. For instance, if a 100 watt bulb puts out 1650 lumens (not sure about that), add 20% for a CFL, which would be 1980 lumens. The reason behind that is because the CFLs will lose brightness as they age. An incandescent will too, but the life of the bulb is short enough that the dimming is not noticeable.

It also said to use CFLs in areas where the light is on continuously for 3 - 4 hours at a time. Turning the light on and off frequently shortens the life.

Ed

[Ed62]

Do the CFLs still use mercury as a component? How about recycling?

Yes, but it has been reduced quite a bit. It is recommended that you use one of those places that accept hazardous trash.

Ed

[husky]

I have read several places that the electricity saved by using a CFL greatly offsets the mercury released by burning coal compared to what they put in the bulb, assuming it lasts its life expectancy and you aren't getting power from non coal sources.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Every CFL that I have installed in my house and garage sucks. The cheap ones suck. The expensive ones suck. 100w CFL does not equal 100w incandescent IMHO. Heck 150w CFL does not equal 75W IMHO. I have them in recessed lighting in my house and they suck. I have them in the garage and they suck. I figured they sucked because they were cheap. So I bought some good brand name bulbs. They suck too.

CFL sucks. But like a hippie I am still using them. Can't wait for the technology to get better.

All this said will no less than six 20" LCD monitors are being used right now. Now to shut my four down and go fire up the HDTV . . . I understand they are real energy efficient! LOLOLOLOL!

[Ed62]

Jeffrey, you're not getting the full benefit of your CFLs that suck. You can get rid of your vacuum cleaner now.
Edit: Just noticed I misspelled vacuum when I read Jeffrey's post below.

Ed

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Jeffrey, you're not getting the full benefit of your CFLs that suck. You can get rid of your vaccum cleaner now.

Ed

True . . . and dim lights just work wonders on my wifes romantic appetite . . . NOT!

[leehljp]

I think part of it is that we capitalists are quick to jump on to new revenue streams, but not so fast to change to those where new revenue is offset by losses in the older, existing sector. Lateral mobility, if you will.

You are right about that part of it. It just dawned on me the fact that gasoline has been the equivalent of at least $3.00 a gallon since I have been here (20+ years). So energy reduction has long been driving the technology advances, along with the cell phone revolution/evolution that is not even thought of in the States. Many of the Non-Smart phones here have far more functions that the "smart phones" do in the US. All of this contributes to more information and function with less energy - and in turn, this is finding its way into the general population across many sectors.

The higher price of quick adaption is off-set by overall energy savings from usage by the consumer.

In some cases, it pays to change and I think with the higher energy costs within the US reaching what it is in many other countries, a similar change revolution will be forth coming there.

IF only solar panels could make this kind of jump - higher efficiency with lower priced production.

[Uncle Cracker]

IF only solar panels could make this kind of jump - higher efficiency with lower priced production.

I have a feeling they will, just as soon as the oil companies get the market cornered on their production...

[jon_ramp]

[QUOTE=Black wallnut;315667] They cost more but do not last any longer.

This has been my experience as well. Especially ones that are made to look like flood lights that go in recessed cans. Even with GE brand.

I have also noticed:

that the dimmable models seem to be much brighter at the low end than incondescent

that ones rated at 150w equivalent don't seem to be as bright

those on my open porch and deck only take a few seconds to reach full brightness on the coldest Chicago nights

[JR]

IF only solar panels could make this kind of jump - higher efficiency with lower priced production.

Yeah, batteries and solar panels have not made the kinds of breakthrough to be really beneficial.

There was an article in the paper today about an experimental tide-power system to be installed by Pacific Gas and Electric. It will be installed a couple of miles off the Humbolt coast, providing power for about 1500 homes (I forget the megawattage).

There is a mandate in the state of California that 20% of our power should come from renewable sources within a few years. I find it encouraging as it becomes apparent that massive new power generating capability will be required in support of plug-in hybrids or fuel cell capabilities. IMHO, these technologies are the only technologies that will provide economical, low-impact alternatives to fossil fuels. And we just have to find a way to do that.

JR

[Slik Geek]

100w CFL does not equal 100w incandescent IMHO.

How recent is your experience?

We tried some CFLs a few years ago and were quite disappointed by the poor light output. A couple months back LOML picked up a four-pack of cheap ones (Walmart Great Value) 60W equivalents (900 lumen, 13 W) for our kitchen light. This light uses four bulbs and is on frequently.

We were blown away by how bright the bulbs are. It made our kitchen brighter and we like the color of the light. (Seems "whiter" than the 60W clear bulb incandescents they replaced).

They take about a minute to get to full brightness, but I actually like that because in the morning, when it is dark, they don't shock the unadjusted eyes as badly.

Reliability of these lights remains to be seen. Decline in light output over the bulb life? Time will tell.