by tncaver » Jan 14, 2009 10:38 am
I agree with Teresa that the plan doesn't seem to be well thought out for banning incandescents.
I replaced "most" of my incandescent bulbs with CFLs throughout the house over a year ago. They definitely
lowered my electric bill (until the recent TVA surcharge went into effect). Although they come on
a little dim, they brighten up quickly and have a normal color as compared to an incandescent bulb.
However, I have two major complaints concerning the CFLs. They do not last 7 years as advertised, and
I've had some burn out in as little as three months and some that blow out immediately in my
outside fixtures that have motion detectors and/or daylight sensitive switches built in. The CFLs simply
will not work in some of those outside fixtures.
The higher price is not cost effective unless the bulbs actually last for several years. I've had several bulbs
to blow out after only a few months in my basement, in the bathroom vanity fixture and outside. I also
have small "candle flame" shaped bulbs in my chandeliers. I have seen no CFL replacement bulbs for those
or for night lights. I am eagerly looking forward to inexpensive LEDs for the home. They should really
cut down on electricity use and really have long life.
I have voluntarily changed most of my incandescents to CFLs but do not want the government to be telling
me what to do any more than they already do.