CFLs... what's in your socket?

Caver Dave

Caver Dave

Just holdin' it down here in BFV
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About 6 months ago on a prompting from LoMod, we started buying CFLs (compact fluorescent lightbulbs) to use after a bathroom makeover. Impressed with the light to watt ratio, we later replaced the incandescents in the basement fixtures that were pushing the wattage ratings. Higher wattage bulbs would cause all kinds of heat related issues... (and you still couldn't see!), so in came the CFLs! 120w equivalents that only draw 20w, well under the fixtures ratings and the light output was hard to miss... We got used to "ramping" (a bit dimmer at first, but get sbrighter within seconds).

Since then, we've steadily been replacing the incandescents with CFLs. Probably 50% of my guesstimated 75 sockets have been converted. To date, I haven't checked the power bill (wife normally pays that) to see if there has been a decline in the overall usage, but am pretty sure it should be noticeable. Granted, we still have several parasitic draws ("always on" cell chargers, VCRs, TVs, & PCs), but a check should show some decline in power usage based solely on the CFL use.

After reading this article yesterday (http://www.fastcompany.com/subscr/108/open_lightbulbs.html), I figured unless your having issues finding a place to spend money each month, you might benefit from beginning your own household conversion to CFL. Also interesting that WallyWorld is making a push by dropping the prices on CFLs... helps not only your monthly bottom lines, but can't hurt decrease hydrocarbon emissions to make up for all we're spewing from our rigs ...
 
When I moved into my house 2 years ago I put in all CFL. It signifcantly reduced the power bill compared to the prior occupants usage. I have gas heat (unfortunately) so the weather didn't impact the power bill since it was October/November when I saw the savings.

CFL are definately recoomended!!!

Gary
 
We use them here and there, but only outside. The color temperature is still too poor, IMHO. We also haven't seen reliable longevity that would justify the bulb expense. The ones that we had inside for a while all burned up the ballasts within a year or so.

It's also worth mentioning that all fluorescents are hazardous waste. You can't throw them in the garbage when they burn up. Consult your local authorities for information on how to dispose of them. There's usually a special day a couple of times a year when you can take them to the dump to be processed.
 
Caver Dave said:
Probably 50% of my guesstimated 75 sockets have been converted.
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75 sockets? Who was the previous owner of your house, Edison?:confused: :lol:
I run them in the lamps in each room in my house but I also make a habit of turning off lights as I leave a room.
 
saf-t scissors said:
It's also worth mentioning that all fluorescents are hazardous waste. You can't throw them in the garbage when they burn up. Consult your local authorities for information on how to dispose of them. There's usually a special day a couple of times a year when you can take them to the dump to be processed.
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Had no idea.....been throwing them like spears in the dumpster for years and years. Damn, I gonna miss that fun.:lol:
 
It's because of the mercury in them. Gets in the water, gets in the fish, then you can't eat tuna, etc.
 
R Q said:
75 sockets? Who was the previous owner of your house, Edison?:confused: :lol:
I run them in the lamps in each room in my house but I also make a habit of turning off lights as I leave a room.
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I was estimating (bet you'd be surprised if you did an actual "socket" count!)...

I was taught to turn off the lights when leaving the room... my wife & son obvious have another motive for leaving them ALL on!
 
Leslie and I replaced all of ours about 3 or 4 years ago, replaced our first fluorescent last month, but it was the first one and it was 7 years old! We have no incandescent bulbs in the whole place now.
 
I have replaced most of them in my house. Sam's has a 10 pack every once in a while for around $20.
 
I'm really glad I pretty much skipped the CFL phase and went straight to LEDs. I think we only have 2 CFLs in our house and I hate them because they are slow to warm up, put out a weird light, and just look stupid.
 
We only changed to CFLs as the incandescent bulbs died. Then learned that 90% of the CFLs, while yes, using less power, had a shitty light color and a lifetime no longer than the old bulb. Big disappointment. Nowadays its only LEDs or regular bulbs. The color and look of LEDs has come a long way, but I still prefer how the world looks under a white incandescent.
 
I will say - I do electrical work as my profession so have seen a lot of bulb types and applications.

LEDs are bad for inducing harmonics on a circuit. I’ve had some customers who are crazy about their home stereo systems be unhappy with using an LED fixture (even on a different circuit) while listening to their audio systems. Makes a crackling sound - I’ve witnessed this phenomena a few times over now.
 
336wheeler said:
I will say - I do electrical work as my profession so have seen a lot of bulb types and applications.

LEDs are bad for inducing harmonics on a circuit. I’ve had some customers who are crazy about their home stereo systems be unhappy with using an LED fixture (even on a different circuit) while listening to their audio systems. Makes a crackling sound - I’ve witnessed this phenomena a few times over now.
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At one point there was this thing called white noise and it was just part of the experience to have crackling. In fact, there are people who have phenomenal stereo systems just to play Vinyl and enjoy that very soothing sound.
But yes, I have heard of this although I haven’t ever experienced it my self in our house. I guess my stereo is phenomenal enough.
 
skyhighZJ said:
At one point there was this thing called white noise and it was just part of the experience to have crackling. In fact, there are people who have phenomenal stereo systems just to play Vinyl and enjoy that very soothing sound.
But yes, I have heard of this although I haven’t ever experienced it my self in our house. I guess my stereo is phenomenal enough.
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The problem is, it wouldn't be white noise. White noise is "broadband" sound, meaning it will just sound like static and cover all frequencies.
EMI-induced noise is almost always a primary and harmonic frequency, which means you get a hum or buzz... which is waaaay more annoying.
 
RatLabGuy said:
The problem is, it wouldn't be white noise. White noise is "broadband" sound, meaning it will just sound like static and cover all frequencies.
EMI-induced noise is almost always a primary and harmonic frequency, which means you get a hum or buzz... which is waaaay more annoying.
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True. I’m no rocket surgeon when it come to frequency and electronics. I was just stating that there used to be just noise inherent to the recording and playback process and now a days with things being so perfected there are some who intentionally seek out that noise. Not saying it is the same as interference from lights or otherwise.


Edit: I guess as to the topic of the OP, my current house (my camper) is 100% LED. I swapped everything over interior and exterior.
 
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I guess this is what my wife means when she says I'm dead from the ass both ways. My requirements with lighting: Is it still dark, yes or no. If yes, go buy bulbs...usually the first thing I can get my hands on. My requirements with music: can I hear it, yes or no. If no, turn it up.
 
I put some retro fit leds in my 4ft fluorescent shop fixtures. With the kit you install new tombstones and do away with the old ballast. Now when my air compressor runs the lights seem to strobe really fast. I can run any thing else in the shop including welder, a/c, saws, etc with no issues. Any one have any idea how to fix this. The few fluorescent fixtures I have left the air compressor has no effect.
 
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