Low energy lighting

[NigelWaring]

We have been using the new type of bulbs since they first became available. We know that the manufacturing process of them produces more greenhouse gases than did the production of the older incandescent light bulbs but the life of the new type is so much greater that there is supposed to be a net gain in both reduction of greenhouse gases and operating costs.

The first bulbs that we bought were inexpensive and did not last very long, in fact less than one of the older bulbs. We are in the habit of writing the date that we start using it with a 2B pencil on the base of the bulb. We find that the life of our new style bulbs is between 14 and 18 months whereas we were expecting between six and eight years. Our average for incandescent bulbs was two years.

I think that because of the short life we are now generating more greenhouses gases, the running costs are also higher. What experience have other users had?

[NigelWaring]

I forgot to mention after the above. When I turned the light on it flickered for several minutes, it seemed to be having difficulty starting fully. I tried it a few times throughout the day and each time it still flickered. Eventually I removed the bulb and gave it a good shake, cocktail shaker action, put it back in and it has worked perfectly since.

[Cozza]

I use a fluorescent "day" light lamps in my main used areas, and the low cost energy savers in the not as used areas. I find that so far, the Day Light lamps have lasted me about 2 1/2 years since I have been in my house, and the low cost energy savers about 2 years (give or take a month).

The main reason I use fluorescent lamps in the heavily used areas is that once running, they consume very little power.

I did take into account the extra greenhouse gases exhausted during manufacturing however the time in which I have had them does seem to balance it out so far. Maybe I am just lucky so far, or it could be my house runs through a UPS Power Filter before entering the premises.