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jmebonner · 12-05-2003, 12:12 PM

I see all these articles and all about those $5 flourescent lights that replace your old incandescents. The say you save up to $40 over 5 years so it's worth the investment.

Anyone use them? Can you tell a difference in your power bill?

MaxVal · 12-05-2003, 01:01 PM

Over time you will save money.
Being that the bulbs are expensive, it will take a fair amount of time to actually recoup your investment.
How much you can expect to save will depend on how much of your total electric costs are lighting related, and how much the new bulbs actually cost. I have replaced nearly all of my incandescent lamps with compact florescent bulbs. My electric bill declined approximately 5%, enabling me to spend it on computer parts!
Seriously, I believe it to be a worthwhile endeavor!

MAX

By the way, check your local Costco or Sam's for the bulbs. Break even will be that much sooner!!

MTAtech · 12-05-2003, 01:17 PM

I uses them exclusively in my on/off lamps and recessed lights (they can't be used on the dimmers.) I live in an expensive electric areas. We pay $0.125 per KWH. It does save money in two ways. First, they use less power for each lumen. Second, in the summer they generate less heat, so the A/C works less hard.

However, they don't last 7-14 yrs. They do last 3-4 years.

The other thing one needs to consider is to place them in frequently used areas. Otherwise, you may never use them enough to earn your investment back.

jmebonner · 12-05-2003, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MTAtech
(they can't be used on the dimmers.)

Good thing you pointed that out, as I never even thought of it. Almost all my basement lights are on dimmers. I would've bought way too many!

They're about $5 each around here.

still debating...

brandon184 · 12-05-2003, 01:22 PM

Flourescent lighting is the devil.

MTAtech · 12-05-2003, 01:32 PM

Glad I was of help. Some utilities provide rebates also.

Quidam · 12-05-2003, 01:32 PM

Some stores have a deal worked out with the local utility where you get an 'instant rebate' for certain purchases. Look for coupons/forms near the bulbs.

The largest savings are in places where the bulbs are on a long time such as porches and lamp-posts.