Why people still use inefficient incandescent light bulbs

[Jesus Malverde]

In 2014, you can say goodbye to the standard incandescent light bulb.

Starting Jan. 1, the United States will no longer manufacture or import incandescent bulbs – although stores can still sell what they have in stock. The phaseout is a result of federal rules to switch to more energy-efficient bulbs.

Energy-efficient bulbs cost more than incandescent bulbs but last much longer and save on energy costs in the long-term. So why are people still buying incandescent bulbs and what will the phaseout mean for you?

Incandescent bulbs cost much less
Incandescents are known for their warm light
consumers complain that CFLs don't last as long as advertised

The price of LED bulbs has also gone down significantly. The first LED bulbs to hit the market cost $30 each. Now some manufacturers offer LED bulbs for as little as $10, vs..... 70 cents.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2013/12/27/incandescent-light-bulbs-phaseout-leds/4217009/

[LiberalEsto]

1. Also, it's hard or impossible to find CFL bulbs for certain socket sizes

And even if you can find them, they cost an arm and a leg.

[arcane1]

5. My only lamp won't fit a CFL, and they don't work in my oven light.

It just blinks the whole time.

I am, however, using them in my other light fixtures as the existing bulbs burn out.

[Duckhunter935]

12. appliance lamps (oven) exempt

[arcane1]

13. That's good news.

[Sassysdad]

16. PLEASE

NEVER put a CFL in an oven or microwave.

[arcane1]

17. I didn't mean IN the oven, I meant the light above the stove-top

Heck the oven light burned out 5 years ago and I never replaced it

[djean111]

2. And CFLs have mercury in them. They can acidentally be broken, and

I sincerely doubt they will all be disposed of properly when they burn out.
I am hoarding incandescents until I can afford LEDs.

[Fla Dem]

25. Yes, that's my biggest concern with them. A means to dispose of them should be established.

Every store that sells these new bulbs should have a disposal barrel for them and a contract with a company that can dispose of them properly. These should not go out in the general trash. We have contaminated our soil and water enough without adding more mercury to the environment.

[K lib]

36. Most Hardware stores have on site recycling

this a link from the epa to find locations that accept them

http://search.earth911.com/

[gollygee]

3. I'll agree that CFLs don't last as long as advertised

Not anywhere near as long. I don't even know where the advertised numbers come from.

We have been getting them but we've been frustrated that they haven't lasted anywhere near as long as the advertising claimed.

[MurrayDelph]

15. And as they get older

they take forever to get up to their advertised brightness.

[jmowreader]

40. How they get the advertised life is very simple

They turn on the light, then leave it on till it quits working. Turning bulbs on and off is what does them in.

[Mnpaul]

65. I bought two

neither one lasted a month. I sure hope LEDs come down in price soon. I know they will last longer.

[Nye Bevan]

4. Cleanup instructions if you break a CFL bulb (careful with that mercury vapor):

Before Cleanup

* Have people and pets leave the room, and avoid the breakage area on the way out.
* Open a window or door to the outdoors and leave the room for 5-10 minutes.
* Shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning (H&AC) system, if you have one.
* Collect materials you will need to clean up the broken bulb:
o Stiff paper or cardboard
o Sticky tape (e.g., duct tape)
o Damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes (for hard surfaces)
o Glass jar with a metal lid (such as a canning jar) or a sealable plastic bag(s)

Cleanup Steps for Hard Surfaces

* Carefully scoop up glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or cardboard and place debris and paper/cardboard in a glass jar with a metal lid. If a glass jar is not available, use a sealable plastic bag. (NOTE: Since a plastic bag will not prevent the mercury vapor from escaping, remove the plastic bag(s) from the home after cleanup.)
* Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder. Place the used tape in the glass jar or plastic bag.
* Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes. Place the towels in the glass jar or plastic bag.
* Vacuuming of hard surfaces during cleanup is not recommended unless broken glass remains after all other cleanup steps have been taken. If vacuuming is needed to ensure removal of all broken glass, keep the following tips in mind:
o Keep a window or door to the outdoors open;
o Vacuum the area where the bulb was broken using the vacuum hose, if available; and
o Remove the vacuum bag (or empty and wipe the canister) and seal the bag/vacuum debris, and any materials used to clean the vacuum, in a plastic bag.
* Promptly place all bulb debris and cleanup materials, including vacuum cleaner bags, outdoors in a trash container or protected area until materials can be disposed of properly.
o Check with your local or state government about disposal requirements in your area. Some states and communities require fluorescent bulbs (broken or unbroken) be taken to a local recycling center.
* Wash your hands with soap and water after disposing of the jars or plastic bags containing bulb debris and cleanup materials.
* Continue to air out the room where the bulb was broken and leave the H&AC system shut off, as practical, for several hours.

Cleanup Steps for Carpeting or Rugs

* Carefully scoop up glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or cardboard and place debris and paper/cardboard in a glass jar with a metal lid. If a glass jar is not available, use a sealable plastic bag. (NOTE: Since a plastic bag will not prevent the mercury vapor from escaping, remove the plastic bag(s) from the home after cleanup.)
* Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder. Place the used tape in the glass jar or plastic bag.
* Vacuuming of carpeting or rugs during cleanup is not recommended unless broken glass remains after all other cleanup steps have been taken. If vacuuming is needed to ensure removal of all broken glass, keep the following tips in mind:
o Keep a window or door to the outdoors open;
o Vacuum the area where the bulb was broken using the vacuum hose, if available, and
o Remove the vacuum bag (or empty and wipe the canister) and seal the bag/vacuum debris, and any materials used to clean the vacuum, in a plastic bag.
* Promptly place all bulb debris and cleanup materials, including vacuum cleaner bags, outdoors in a trash container or protected area until materials can be disposed of properly.
o Check with your local or state government about disposal requirements in your area. Some states and communities require fluorescent bulbs (broken or unbroken) be taken to a local recycling center.
* Wash your hands with soap and water after disposing of the jars or plastic bags containing bulb debris and cleanup materials.
* Continue to air out the room where the bulb was broken and leave the H&AC system shut off, as practical, for several hours.


Future Cleaning of Carpeting or Rugs: Air Out the Room During and After Vacuuming

* The next several times you vacuum the rug or carpet, shut off the H&AC system if you have one, close the doors to other rooms, and open a window or door to the outside before vacuuming. Change the vacuum bag after each use in this area.
* After vacuuming is completed, keep the H&AC system shut off and the window or door to the outside open, as practical, for several hours.

http://www.epa.gov/cfl/cflcleanup-detailed.html

.

[djean111]

6. Makes you want to run right out and buy some!

None in my home. Ever.

[LordGlenconner]

24. Your home will be dark

When current supplies of the old bulbs run out. Better start stocking up on candles now. Lanterns are also nice but most burn fossil fuels.

[djean111]

26. Oh, I have bulbs stashed away. And LEDs are getting cheaper.

Also, I live in Florida, and my home has lots of windows and big sliding glass doors.
But thanks for the concern!

[LordGlenconner]

43. I'm not concerned

But thanks for thanking me for my concern anyway.

[AndreaCG]

81. Oh hell

Broke one a few days ago. Did none of that.

[morningfog]

88. Thanks for your concern. I've used exclusively CFL bulbs for nearly a decade and never had one break

I've packed them up and moved with them several times.

[Nye Bevan]

89. You should tell the EPA that.

Maybe they will remove those clearly unnecessary cleanup instructions from their website.

Thank you for that data point.

[morningfog]

90. Not saying the instructions from the EPA aren't necessary.

Your concerning is another matter.

[Duckhunter935]

7. good info on exemptions

here is some good info....

http://applications.nam.lighting.philips.com/cmolegislation/

Light bulb exemptions
The following light bulb types are exempt from Legislation.

INCANDESCENT HOUSEHOLD BULBS–EISA 2007:

3-Way bulbs, Appliance bulbs (Maximum 40W), Colored Party bulbs, Black Light bulbs, Infrared bulbs, Plant Light bulbs, Sign Service bulbs, Silver Bowl bulbs, Bug-A-Way, and Rough Service bulbs
Post Lights (below 100W) and Nightlights
Specialty Incandescent, Marine bulbs, Marine Signal Service bulbs, Mine Service bulbs, and Traffic Signal bulbs
Decorative Globes G40 bulbs (all wattages)


The following bulbs if less than or equal to 60Watts are exempt:

Decorative Candles (B, BA, CA) with Candelabra base
Decorative Globes (G161/2, G25, G30) with Candelabra base
Vibration Service bulbs


The following bulbs if less than or equal to 40Watts are exempt:

SpecialtyTubular (T-8)
Decorative Candles (B, BA, CA) with medium and intermediate bases
Decorative Globes (G161/2, G25, G30) with medium and intermediate bases
M14

[In_The_Wind]

87. Thanks!

[JCMach1]

8. the law allows most non-standard incandescents to stay on the market...

say, for example chandelier bulbs...

[RGinNJ]

9. I love 3 way bulbs.

[Duckhunter935]

11. exempt nt

[LiberalArkie]

80. I just use a high output LED with a light dimmer in my lamp

[Duckhunter935]

10. replaced all of mine with LED

No issues and you can get the same color as standard bulbs. So far none has gone out over several years and they are getting much cheaper

[Jesus Malverde]

30. Do you recommend one brand/model over another?..nt

[rufus dog]

44. I have had good luck with Phillips.

Going on two years, going on two years and haven't lost one. Due to the costs I did buy 6 CFLs for some overhead lights, three have to be replaced.

Tracked the cost savings and the payback was less than nine months.

Do not use Feit brand.

[Niceguy1]

54. why not feit?

They get good reviews, even Costco has them...

[rufus dog]

70. The bad CFLs were Feit

Costco and Home Depot sell them, which is usually a very good sign, maybe it is just standard for CFLs to not make the two year mark.

Regardless, if I had to do it again I would have just bought the LEDs and been ahead, even with the $40 cost.

[Niceguy1]

72. its not feit its

CFLs in general. Their LED's are great I have them everywhere almost


Cfls suck and were a misttake

[DirkGently]

51. I keep hawking the Cree brand at Home Depot

Dimmable, and available in 40 & 60 watt equivalents. Standard bulb base and form factor. And you can get them in a truly "warm" color temperature of 2700K. About $10. I'm using them everywhere I can.

I swear I don't work for Cree or Home Depot. I just think everyone should try these.

http://www.homedepot.com/b/N-5yc1v/Ntk-Extended/Ntt-warm%2Bcree%2Bbulb?browsestoreoption=1

[Wounded Bear]

73. Just bought one of those for $5....

I've changed all bulbs in my immediate vicinity to LEDs.

Love them.

[MADem]

53. I have an LED bulb that has been going strong for over a year--GREAT light.

It's bright like sunshine, lights up the back hall, just the thing.

I'm gradually moving to them, one at a time.

I don't get why people are getting so bent about this matter--I have been using CFLs since the eighties (they were common way back then in Europe, and they cut the light bill Big Time).

Plus, it is possible to get incandescents if one really wants them and just MUST have them--just buy the heavy use commercial ones. I mean, the way some folks are crabbing, you'd swear they were trying to take away their GUNS!!!!!

It's a great big whine about Nothing. A Seinfeld Light Bulb story....!

[Egalitarian Thug]

14. There are five fixtures in our house that require incandescent bulbs.

The florescents don't like dimmer switches and the LEDs use so little power that they don't work in the dimmers either and none of them fit those small sockets.

[Duckhunter935]

18. bet those bulbs are exempt

if not get rough service or LED/CFL that are made fro dimmers, they do make them

[Egalitarian Thug]

21. I'd prefer a light that is both low-power and dimmable(?).

I'm happy that the incandescents are going away, now we need to move away from fluorescent lights quickly before they become too big a problem.

[enlightenment]

32. I recall reading somewhere that

they were starting to make CFL's and LED's for dimmable (I'm with you, that isn't a word!) fixtures. No idea what they cost, though.

I can't stand CFL's - that awful blue light gives me blinding headaches and they never work as well as advertised - but the "yellow" LED's are okay. Still pricey.

[Duckhunter935]

34. been dimmable for years

Hate the CFLs, never last. Good LEDs are about 12 dollars and are dimmable. I have several Cree that are working well.

[enlightenment]

37. That was the name I was trying to think of - Cree.

Thank you! And thanks for the correction - my brain is damned near as dim as a bad bulb these days.

[Egalitarian Thug]

35. We tried the CFL's in the Kitchen (standard socket size) and when the power wasn't on all the way,

the lights flickered and crackled in a very ominous way. The LEDs work, they just come on at full brightness at the very lowest power.

[Jenoch]

71. If you want a dim bulb,

just use a CFL.

[Vashta Nerada]

19. Also, incandescent light bulbs don't hurt my eyes like CFLs.

CFLs are too bright. Even a 40 W CFL is brighter than a 40 W incandescent light bulb.

[2naSalit]

52. Thta is one of my main

problems with them, they hurt my eyes... have astigmatism so the lights' reflective qualities are not a good thing. I use incandescent and will be buying up a bunch of them asap. And candles, if I can't have regular light bulbs, I'll just use candles.

[Vashta Nerada]

61. I have an astigmatism also.

Maybe that's why I hate CFLs. I never thought of that.

[PowerToThePeople]

20. I have a LOT of CFL in my house.

They do burn out too quickly imo. I try to pick up extra stocks when they are on a good sale. I would love to switch them all over to LED, but it would take several hundreds of dollars to do that.

[femmocrat]

66. I thnk they burn out quickly too.

I have old incandescent bulbs in hall and closet lights that I don't remember changing in 20 years. My kitchen has CFLs and they burn out frequently. Of course we spend more time in the kitchen than in the hallway and the closet, but those old bulbs could last for decades! I remember seeing an article once on the longest-lasting bulbs in America. Someone had a porch light that was ancient.

[liberal N proud]

22. Color of the light - that is why I prefere incandescent bulbs.

But only in the living room. I prefere LED anywhere I need task lighting. I hate the CFL's PERIOD. The color, the warm up period, the mercury and they are nearly as fragile as the incandescent pulbs.

[Shandris]

23. I don't know the cause and won't profess to...

...but those things have an average life expectancy of 8 months in my house, with the shortest ever being 3 months and the longest 10. I have yet to have a single one last a full year.

Yet I have incandescents (smaller 25w ones) in my bathroom pushing 2 years now. Go figure.

Replacing a round of these things takes my disposable income for an entire fricking month. Guess its time to stock up on incandescents.

[Control-Z]

50. You can buy a 4 pack

at Home Depot for 2.99.

[Shandris]

55. Really?

I'll have to take advantage of that I suppose, what with my disastrous Wal-Mart run and all. Thank you for that, I wasn't aware.

[Duckhunter935]

27. kind of long but it is the math

[intaglio]

28. Firstly not all incandescents are going. Quartz halogen incandescents will still be available

What is more they are now being made for standard and small ES sockets.

And LEDs reduce your energy bills by large amounts immediately. I have 9 x 4.2 W LEDs replacing 9 x 15 W Quartz halogen GU10s which in turn replaced 3 x 60 W incandescents.

The reason people use standard incandescents is habit more than anything

[alc]

29. heat and light quality

I use CFL & LEDs in the summer and incandescent in the winter in rooms that don't have heat/air. That keeps the temps good year round. Without the incandescents those rooms are unusable for a couple of months of the year.

I greatly prefer the light/color of the incandescents though it is getting better each year.

[Packerowner740]

31. I was just down at my local Target, they have a bunch of incandecents on clearance.

[Shandris]

45. I just returned from Wal-Mart (I know, I know!) and there wasn't...

...a single undamaged incandescent left in the store (in the 'normal' sizes, not including specialties). I was -stunned-. Like...really?

[Gormy Cuss]

33. CFLs were poor replacements. LEDs are better IMHO.

I hope that LEDs prove to be good substitutes although the upfront cost means that many will not convert until the last of their incandescents burns out.

[Silent3]

38. With CFLs or LEDs, your food never gets properly cooked...

...if you're using an Easy Bake oven.

[Retrograde]

39. The cats like them

We have a desk lamp with an incandescent bulb: there's always one cat sprawled out under it when it's on. It's their sun lamp.

I find that the CFLs have a yellowish cast to their light: I can't use one when doing any sort of artwork because it affects how I see colors.

[Rod Beauvex]

41. Freeper Libertarians.

WHAT!? HOW DARE THE EBIL GUB'MINT TELL ME WHAT KIND OF LIGHTBULBS TO USE.

[Gidney N Cloyd]

42. I know it's just me but I seem to have trouble with depth perception with LEDs. CFLs are better.

[RebelOne]

47. The LED bulbs do not last any longer than the incandescent bulbs.

Any LED bulbs I bought have blown out in just the same amount of time as the incandescent bulbs.

[Warren DeMontague]

59. I think you've been buying the wrong ones, then.

I've only had one fail, and that one was defective. None have "burned out" yet.

[NutmegYankee]

75. I have a 40 watt LED that hasn't been turned off in two years.

No incandescent ever lasted that long. I have a bulb with no switch over my basement laundry. In two years, it's sucked up about $17 total of power, but it is nice to always have that little light down there.

[99Forever]

48. In some applications, CFLs flat out don't work.

We have multiple dimmable wall sconces in our media room. Dimmable CFLs do not work in them. If a (multi-unit) dimmable LED with a standard base and soft white light becomes available, I'll replace them. The sconces are classics, retrieved from an old style theater being torn down.

[DirkGently]

56. Your wish has been granted. Sorta.

http://www.homedepot.com/b/N-5yc1v/Ntk-Extended/Ntt-warm%2Bcree%2Bbulb?browsestoreoption=1

2700k, which is truly warm, not like "warm" CFLs that are still bluish. A19 base. The "dimming" works, but it's notchier than incandescent -- it moves in small leaps, and below a certain point they "jump" to off where an incandescent would smoothly dim to almost nothing. 40 and 60-watt equivalents.

But they look good and don't cost too much ($10-$14).

[Paulie]

49. I keep hoping this company would get their product out

ESL are basically little tv tubes. Better light, last 10 years, mercury free and dim-able.

http://www.Vu1corporation.com

[DirkGently]

60. Looks like an interesting technology.

Be interested to see the quality of the light. And the cost. Dimmable would be a big plus, especially if they dim more smoothly than "dimmable" LED. Looks like it's a little less efficient than CFL, and thus quite a bit less than LED though.

[PasadenaTrudy]

57. Just put in two LEDs

in the hallway in my apt. bldg. I got the Cree brand at Home Depot. Interesting bulbs, they feel soft like rubber.

[DirkGently]

67. I have those, and keep yakking about how great they are.

And they totally have some kind of tacky film over the bulb. No idea what that's about. Doesn't seem to hurt anything, though, and makes them less slippery to handle. I'm slowly filling my house with them.

[PasadenaTrudy]

85. That's my plan too T

Slowly replace with LEDs. Another thing I noticed is they are not hot to the touch when on. Very interesting! I got the warm white ones and the light is very nice.

[Warren DeMontague]

58. CFLs don't produce the same kind of light, take time to warm up, usually can't be dimmed, etc.

That said, I have gradually started replacing bulbs catch as-catch can with LEDs, getting over the sticker shock in the process.

The light is better, they come on instantly, they last something like 10 years per, and best of all they use a TON less electricity.

And, as you mention, they're getting cheaper.

[DirkGently]

62. I kind of wish I hadn't bought CFLS.

They buzz, they don't last as long as advertised, and unless I've got a really good shade over them, the light is ugly as hell.

And now I have a bunch of dead ones I have to take to the toxic disposal site, which will mean carefully getting them all into the car somehow without breaking them and releasing toxic powder all over the place.

[Warren DeMontague]

64. Yeah, I keep a box in the garage with old Ni-Cd batteries. But I think places like Home Depot will

take them, too, (also, I checked, other major hardware chains do too) so you might not need to go all the way to the toxic disposal site.

But like you, I have a bunch left that I've bought, not really sure what I'll do with them although I use em in the garage and places where it doesn't matter if the light is sub-par.

[DirkGently]

68. I have that garage box. Motor oil, paint thinner,

old NiCads and dead fluorescents. The lovely predecessors in my house (for whom RW Christian / Republican flyers still occasionally appear) left a case of motor oil I will never need, paint supplies, bug sprays, and other noxious junk.

Appreciate the tip re: Home Depot, but I think the site is just up the road somewhere. Just need to get to it.

No more CFLs for me, though. I guess I'll use whatever spares I have left, and start feeding in the LEDs.

[Warren DeMontague]

86. Totally. I'm probably at about 50% on LEDs now

love it. It's real easy to get used to never having to change the bulb.

[Turbineguy]

63. It's a bald-faced attempt of Obama

to control light! Obviously it means he can control the sunrise and sunset too. Aha! That's why Dec 21 was so short!

[ConcernedCanuk]

69. On CFL longevity

.
.
.

I converted almost all my lighting to CFLs 8 years ago.

I have only replaced 3 or 4 bulbs in that time.

CFLs should not be used in rooms where the light is only going to be on for a short time - they like to warm up, and be on for a while.

So for rooms/closets whatever that you are going to only have a light on for a few minutes, incandescents are the way to go.

Mechanics use rough-service bulbs - they have a heavier filament setup to take the inevitable dropping and shock to the bulb - so they will be around for awhile, usually in 50/75/100 watt. As mentioned - extreme temperature incandescents will be available for fridges and stoves - so can be utilized in room lighting as well.

A cfl would work in a fridge - but it would not last very long because it would only be on for a few seconds at a time - they don't like that - incandescents can take that on-off thing for years.

I know chicken farmers are gonna horde them incandescents for sure - they give just enough heat to keep water thawed in the winter - and also for keeping chicks warm.

Also recently got about a half-dozen REMOTE LEDs - yep - wander around (or sit) with the remote, set brightness/color/on/off- remote is directional - so can change the lighting on most of them without even getting off the couch.

Great for turning that light off when ya go to bed, or to get up in the middle of the night.

And they were only about 4 - 6 bucks each - each coming with its own remote (same frequency, so each remote works for all lights)

CC

[NutmegYankee]

74. They still make them. There are incandescent A19 bulbs that are 28% more efficient on the market.

Basically the same bulb with nearly the same light output, but a "60 watt" only uses 42 and the "100 watt" only 72 watts.

I only use incandescent in specialty/appliance apps like the fridge and oven, and in the bathroom. The bathroom round globe style bulbs are still being made and I chose to not use CFL in that application as they had a high failure rate. From discussions with one company, the problem is the frequent on-off nature of bathroom lights wears out the CFL starting system. So I still have 4 60 watt bulbs in the fixture, but they are only on for 30 minutes a day spread over several cycles.

[Iggo]

77. Because freedom!

[Matariki]

79. LEDs are great

Although I'd file the receipts for them. I bought 3 GU10 style LEDs at $30 a pop and they all burned out in under a year. Fortunately they had a 6 year warranty that was honored. Haven't had the same trouble with the screw-in style.

[Zorro]

82. Just returned from Lowes in LA

Loaded up on LED floods (2700k, 700 lumens, A19, dimmable -- 2 pack for $7.97) and standard (2700k, 800 lumens, A19, dimmable -- 2 pack for $8.98).

The box says the prices are subsidized by SoCal Ed and can't be sold outside California.

They all seem brighter than the comparable CFLs I replaced.

LED bulb prices are indeed headed south.

[Jesus Malverde]

83. Thats great news.

Write the date on them and see how long they last. I've been doing that with the cfl's, some don't last long. grrr

I'll have to check out the LED's. I don't like the light cfl's put out. They also take a while to get to full brightness.

Thanks!

[madrchsod]

84. i like the led bulbs but i cannot afford to buy them.

i`m using one right on while i`m typing. little spot for ikea. for the rest of the house and garage it will cost to much money compared to the old bulbs.