Energy Saving Light-Bulbs

[bluemoon]

I thought it was about time we switched to energy saving light-bulbs, we do all we can to save energy, but I've resisted the bulbs before, more because of the way they look than anything. BUT, even though the one in this room is supposed to be the equivalent of 75 watts I can't see a thing. There's a 3 light fitting at the top of the stairs, but even so we've had to remove them and replace them with normal bulbs because it was frankly dangerous. Are they all like this or have we bought a bad batch?

[coomber]

They do tend to be dimmer than normal bulbs, I use the 100w equivelent because the others are too dim

[Gwyndy]

I do use low energy lamps extensively around the house but they do have limitations. In my experience the claims of equivalent light output are always over optimistic, so do as coomber suggests and use a higher rating. They also take a while to 'warm up' and reach peak light output and this seems to get progressively longer as the bulbs age. I don't really like using low energy bulbs in areas where I want 'instant' light but, of course, we are going to have to get used to them as traditional bulbs are phased out. I must confess that I have bought a good stock of old fashioned lamps before they disappear!!

[terrier]

They are absolutely rubbish. I think the accident rate in the home is going to rise substantially when we all have to start using them. I don't suppose this Micky Mouse government has spent much time thinking about the elderly and the partially sighted. We're thinking about stocking up on normal bulbs. Also, don't forget when they expire, they can't be thrown out with the garbage, they have to be specially (expensively?) disposed of.

[Gwyndy]

The RNIB has some interesting comments on low energy lamps for people with sight problems - Advice on energy efficient lighting

[BFG]

I find them quite good. my lounge is lit by a 7w in a lamp and it's fine. That's almost 90% less than a 60w old one. Multiple that by the 100's of millions of light bulbs in the country and it's a big difference.

[rana]

I find them quite good. my lounge is lit by a 7w in a lamp and it's fine.

Wow BFG - are you an owl ???

If the western governments persist with their drive to cut domestic energy consumption I think CFL s will be a transient technology. We will soon all be using SuperLED arrays which are yet more efficient.

[MaureenHall]

I think I must have just "got used" to the energy-efficient ones, I don't really notice that much difference ............................ except I can't see well enough to knit or sew in artificial light now!! The main reason for changing was that I get them free from British Gas and somewhere else, can't remember who (cos I'm an OAP now!)

[Fluorescent green]

They are absolutely rubbish. I think the accident rate in the home is going to rise substantially when we all have to start using them. I don't suppose this Micky Mouse government has spent much time thinking about the elderly and the partially sighted.

I think that once you think about something in a negative way you lose reason. You could also say that because low energy bulbs last much longer, there wont be as many accidents changing the bulbs and accidents in darkness when the bulbs blow.

FG

[shirlthegirl43]

I think we should be told all the facts relating to the cost comparison of producing the 'green' lights compared to the ordinary ones as well as the costs of disposing of them. I suspect they are not quite so environmentally friendly once that is all considered. We changed to low energy lamps but have changed back and will be stockpiling regular bulbs soon!

[rana]

I think we should be told all the facts relating to the cost comparison of producing the 'green' lights compared to the ordinary ones as well as the costs of disposing of them. I suspect they are not quite so environmentally friendly once that is all considered. We changed to low energy lamps but have changed back and will be stockpiling regular bulbs soon!

Lower quality cfl's are purchased in huge numbers on the basis of price. Unfortunately lower quality compacts use more electricity and have a shorter lifespan. Most of them are shipped from China. How green is that?

[HayleyB]

I worry about the effects on kid's sight in years to come in winter doing homework by these useless bulbs are gonna do some damage I'm sure. I read a lot in the eves and in low light it is straining.

[terrier]

Wow BFG - are you an owl ???

If the western governments persist with their drive to cut domestic energy consumption I think CFL s will be a transient technology. We will soon all be using SuperLED arrays which are yet more efficient.

Exactly, they would be better putting their efforts into an improving technology instead of pushing a non green, out of date solution that nobody wants. With the advent of the electric light, a whole way of lifestyle was changed virtually overnight, now we're supposed to take a step back to the dark ages because of a another kneejerk reaction from an incompetent government. Why not go the whole hog and use only candles and oil lamps.

[WrexTheDragon]

They are not good for you health, they can cause mgraines according to the Migraine Action Association. Can be bad for your skin, if you read some newspapers.
Energy-saving light bulbs 'suspected to have caused skin complaints' - Telegraph

[Alice]

I tried the low energy bulbs and found them useless. I think they save energy by not giving out any light. I couldn't live in the dark any longer so changed back.