We're all for saving energy so when the country moved to fluorescent (CFL) from incandescent we followed suit. However, there were some problems with CFLs that we weren't thrilled with. For one thing CFL bulbs contain mercury which is harmful to us and the environment.
They also do get hot and when they get hot, they die.
The overhead light (left) by our sink was a problem. Even though the CFL bulbs are supposed to last longer than incandescent bulbs this one kept dying after a few months.
We discovered that because the fixture was facing downwards, heat was being trapped in the glass shade and killing the bulb. Art had to turn the fixture upside down in order to make the bulb last longer. We don't get as much light but at least the bulb doesn't die after a couple of months.
The pendant lights (right) are also in the kitchen and for the same reason keeps dying. Unfortunately we can't turn them upside down. They are dimmable, but they often flicker and buzz and you have to adjust the dimming switch.
We've wanted to switch to LEDs for a while but they were too expensive. Prices are going down now so we decided to try them out. The LED lights in the dining room which we got last year is working out very well, but they were expensive.
We were at Home Depot and Lowes having a hard time figuring out the wattage. We looked it up on line and found this helpful chart on Earth Easy, Solutions for Sustainable Living.
Since I still think in terms of incandescent lights I now know that to get 100 watts of brightness I should look for LEDs listed at 16-20 watts.
I found this chart to be interesting too. I see right away where CFLs are sensitive to high and low temperatures as well as humidity. And of course, there's that mercury problem.
This last chart shows the cost comparison. It would vary state by state. Electricity in Hawaii is more expensive than other states.
We will gradually be switching to LEDs, but now we have another problem. What the heck do we do with all our extra CFL bulbs that we have in storage?
The overhead light (left) by our sink was a problem. Even though the CFL bulbs are supposed to last longer than incandescent bulbs this one kept dying after a few months.
We discovered that because the fixture was facing downwards, heat was being trapped in the glass shade and killing the bulb. Art had to turn the fixture upside down in order to make the bulb last longer. We don't get as much light but at least the bulb doesn't die after a couple of months.
The pendant lights (right) are also in the kitchen and for the same reason keeps dying. Unfortunately we can't turn them upside down. They are dimmable, but they often flicker and buzz and you have to adjust the dimming switch.
We've wanted to switch to LEDs for a while but they were too expensive. Prices are going down now so we decided to try them out. The LED lights in the dining room which we got last year is working out very well, but they were expensive.
We were at Home Depot and Lowes having a hard time figuring out the wattage. We looked it up on line and found this helpful chart on Earth Easy, Solutions for Sustainable Living.
We will gradually be switching to LEDs, but now we have another problem. What the heck do we do with all our extra CFL bulbs that we have in storage?
Yes, what to do with all those extra light bulbs that are obsolete?
ReplyDeleteI am very impressed by LED's and am switching. All our obsolete stuff went to our local Household Hazardous Waste Center.
ReplyDeleteIn European Union we must install only LED
ReplyDeletewhen we had to redo the downstairs in Jan-April, we replaced all those lights with LED only. WHAT a difference. Worth the price. We kept the few remaining CFL's for the upstairs bedrooms. :)
ReplyDeleteOur YMCA is busy replacing all the lights with LEDs. I am amazed at how much brighter everything looks. Thanks for these charts, they are very helpful. :-)
ReplyDeleteI remember a few years back, there was a somewhat big push in the Southern United States about "bringing back old bulbs" because "grumble...government" yet I belief the end of those bulbs was a industry agreed thing pushed by George W. Bush. But like the 2008 economic crisis they blame Obama.
ReplyDeleteThe effort kind of died because higher energy bills and holding on to outdated technology is not a platform that does too well. Even if every dumb rednecks votes for everyone with a R next to their name.
The charts are very interesting and helpful. My problem is finding bulbs that are actually light enough to read by. I think I might have to try the LEDs.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I'll take these with us to Home Depot next time.
ReplyDeleteI like incandescent, they seem warmer and brighter, I have a collection...but they are being phased out to LEDs.
ReplyDeleteThe LED bulbs are at least more attractive and normal than those funny little pigtail lights. We are still using the old ones until they are gone.
ReplyDeleteI have the CFL bulbs and they are not dying fast enough to suit me! Some of them buzz and this drives me near crazy. I still have some old fashioned bulbs I use bedside. Incandesence is much kinder to my face...not that anyone sees it these days.
ReplyDeleteYou did some very careful research. I ;learned something. I still have a few old incandescents and a few in the storage.
ReplyDeletechange is never easy...lol!
ReplyDeleteI think we all use too bright bulbs and would be happier with softer light!
ReplyDeleteI am glad I resisted using the CFL bulbs because I felt that it was a bit too much like flourescent bulbs and bad on fabrics and art - makes them fade along with halogen bulbs. I packed the few that I had and put them in a box for Goodwill.
ReplyDeleteCheck out Costco for LEDs - I saw a 3 pack of 40 watt bulbs on sale for $12.99 less $7.50, which made each 3 pack cost a little over $5! I bought 3 of them because I figured that was a good deal. My electrician said that they were "only" 40 watt, but 40 watt is plenty bright for me, and they supposedly will last for 22 years. Not sure why they were on sale - maybe they had excess and were trying to clear the inventory.
Great chart. I still do like my incandescents though...
I have many CFLs and some incandescent and just a few LEDs. Not sure the LEDs can fit in my light hardware. I guess I will have to educate myself. This is very interesting news.
ReplyDeleteWe've converted all our often-used lighting to LEDS, and will get the rest at appropriate times. The LEDS give much brighter light, but you can buy softer versions where that is desirable. LED prices here (SW Michigan) have been dropping steadily. Good post with useful comparisons.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget to look at the Kelvin rating. This measures how hot or cool the color of the light is. Daylight bulbs are quite bright and those will be 6500K. Soft white, more like the warmer light we enjoy indoors, will be 2700K. Remembering this will avoid you getting a big surprise when you first turn on your new bulb, only to be amazed at how it hurts your eyes!
ReplyDeleteJohn
Hi John, nice to meet you. I do like having daylight in the kitchen area. Never considered that it could hurt my eyes. Thank you for the warning.
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