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[Phys-l] CFLs




I use CFLs in some places, but I'm very disappointed in their lifetimes...not
even close to "7X longer." More like the same life as incandescent. If it
weren't for the extreme heat that the incand. in the bathroom give off for the
same light, I'd go back. CFL ballasts need some vast improvements, you may save
on the electric bill, but you pay $$ for the product.

I've been using CFLs for over 20 years, since they were fairly new and unknown
but available at some stores (like electric-supply stores). I bought every type
I could find (GE, Sylvania, Lites of America, Philips, etc.) and kept records on
them. I used some in our unheated garage, leaving them on all the time except
for turning them off several times a day for a few minutes. All but one brand
(Lites of America) easily lasted the 10,000 hours claimed. So I've placed them
in all the light fixtures I could, where they last under normal use for many
years. I don't use them outside (slow to brighten up in cold weather) and don't
use them with dimmer switches. Several are in locations where they are on for
several hours every night. I'm very pleased with them. Since they aren't
burning out I haven't bought any for a few years - maybe they aren't as good -
but I suspect many users just want something to complain about.

Along similar lines, when the low-flush toilets became available, there were
many complaints about them from homeowners forced to use them. As I had good
working toilets I didn't pay much attention to them. Then one day I decided one
of our toilets which had never been a good flusher, for some reason, ought to be
replaced. The new low-flush toilet, to my surprise, was excellent, and remains
the best toilet in our house.

Laurent Hodges
writing from the inside of his passive solar home, heated for the last few days
exclusively by the sun, despite the cold temperatures.