This may explain some of the variation in how long CFL bulbs last: On
a piece of cardboard where you would see it if looking at package in
store it states " LASTS 5 YEARS" in orange letters about 3/8" high.
On the back in black print about 1/8" high it states that the 5 years
is based on a average use of only 4 hours per day. You are also
warned in small print not to use it in an enclosure and that it is
guaranteed to start only down to 5 deg F.
What's with the 50 cent CFL bulbs some have mentioned? Around here
they are closer to $5.00. I wonder how long a subsidy like this could last.
Does anyone have experience with using halogen screw in bulbs for
home use? I wonder how they fit into question about cost, power use,
lifetime, brightness, & color.