Who has CFL's in their home?

[mikebw]

CFL- Compact Flourescent, light bulbs. This isn't new technology, but is seems only 6% of homes use them instead of older less efficient blubs.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/02/busine....html?_r=1&oref=slogin
"A compact fluorescent has clear advantages over the widely used incandescent light — it uses 75 percent less electricity, lasts 10 times longer, produces 450 pounds fewer greenhouse gases from power plants and saves consumers $30 over the life of each bulb. But it is eight times as expensive as a traditional bulb, gives off a harsher light and has a peculiar appearance."

Anyone here use CFL's in the home? What has been your experience with the quality of light, and the savings on your electric bill? My apartment complex uses all CFL's in the overhead fixtures, and they even replace them for you when they go out so I don't have to worry about the cost. Of course my electric bill is covered in my rent so it's really in their best interest to get the KWh's down.

EDIT: and please, let's not turn this into a Wal-Mart thread.

[timg]

Who doesn't?

[anonymouse1]

Yup-use the full-spectrum ones:

www.fullspectrumsolutions.com


And they're crazy bright! You can put in a 40 watt bulb and get the equivalent of 300 watts of light. Very, v-e-r-y nice during winter, with less sunlight.

Just can't use 'em with dimmers; not a big problem, really.

[DaviDC.]

There's not a single incandescent bulb in my house, including the refrigerator.

[OWC Jamie]

Throughout the house I have either T8 electronic ballast 4' fluorescents, or a myriad assortment of CFl bubs. Really like the 30W variety in can lights - they do an excellent job. And 3 way fluorescent bulbs in the living room.

Couldn't be happier with them. Especially, since as of Jan 1st, our local Com Ed's rate freeze (10 years now) has expired, and we've been told our rates will increase this month 26%. Could be worse - central IL's power company goes up 51% I heard. YIKES....

[lafinfil]

>
> Just can't use 'em with dimmers; not a big problem, really.
>

There are dimmable versions - a little more money but they are out there

[Filliam H. Muffman]

It really helps when the local utility subsidizes them so they are less than $2 each. I replaced all of the bulbs in my apartment and about 80% of the bulbs in my mom's house.

[rickard5]

Nope NOT A single one. You will NEVER see one in my home/ shop/ ect.......
it all has to do with color tempiture. Flourescent light bulbs are no where near natural light.

[Buzz]

about half, and counting..., as the old ones burn out, most get replaced w/ CFL's, except for the vanity lights in the bathrooms and the funky little candlestick lights in a hanging fixture... light quality seems mixed from bulb to bulb, mostly get whatever they have at costco...

[mattkime]

>>Flourescent light bulbs are no where near natural light.

Three years ago I would have agreed with that.