Comments on: CFL: A Bright Idea for Going Green

By: DIY: How to Use Solar Energy in Your Home - Danny Lipford

DIY: How to Use Solar Energy in Your Home - Danny Lipford — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 16:04:10 +0000

[...] of energy you’re using instead. See our articles on Clean and Green Energy Saving Ideas and CFL light bulbs for some practical ways to cut your energy [...]

By: Robin

Robin — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 02:51:41 +0000

Now, I think CFL will be replaced by other lighting products(such as LED, CCFL) like CFL replace incandescent lamp, because CFL can’t dimmable, But now our CCFL can be dimmed like incandescent lamp and CCFL with more long life. I think in a short time , CCFL will be popular. for more info. you can visit our website: http://www.selfballastedlamp.com

By: waynemor

waynemor — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 19:22:40 +0000

So how come no one is talking about using CFL’s with home automation? After the initial learning curve I seem to have them co-existing quite well. In fact one of my favourite “blendings” is the use of H/A timers and motion sensors to eliminate or lessen the lag in turning on when cold.
I am really surprised that there isn’t more discussion about this.
Yes CFL’s have their problems, but at least some of them can be minimized.

By: DIY: Using CFLs in Light Fixtures - Danny Lipford

DIY: Using CFLs in Light Fixtures - Danny Lipford — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:44:07 +0000

[...] When comparing the light output of the two types of bulbs, remember that it takes CFLs a few minutes to reach their peak light output. More information on compact fluorescent light bulbs can be found in our article CFL: A Bright Idea for Going Green. [...]

By: Hunter

Hunter — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 00:27:19 +0000

Unfortunately, almost all of the lights in my house are track lighting and cans.

Me too.that unlucky.

By: John Cannamela

John Cannamela — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 07:19:41 +0000

Besides changing light bulbs there is an even cheaper thing people over look .Outlet gaskets check out this video and you will see what I mean.
http://www.wcnc.com/video/environment-index.html?nvid=190732

http://www.infraredsurvey.com

By: Ben Erickson

Ben Erickson — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 14:18:30 +0000

CFLs can be used in recessed cans (check the box to be sure), and there are some available now that resemble traditional reflector bulbs. Just be sure that there is not a dimmer on your recessed or track lighting, as most CFL’s are not recommended for use with dimmers.

By: A. Nonny Mouse

A. Nonny Mouse — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 01:47:04 +0000

Unfortunately, almost all of the lights in my house are track lighting and cans.

By: Ben Erickson

Ben Erickson — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 21:29:16 +0000

While CFLs do contain a very small amount of mercury (enough to cover the tip of a ballpoint pen), it is 100 times less than that found in a single thermometer. Though that doesn’t sound like much, it can add up when multiplied by millions of bulbs. Fluorescent tubes–which have been used for years in schools, public buildings, and businesses—contain a small amount of mercury as well. All fluorescent lights should be treated as hazardous waste and disposed of properly.

By: Ben Erickson

Ben Erickson — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 20:00:22 +0000

Anthony,
I don’t know of any CFLs that are recommended for use with digital timers. ENERGY STAR approved bulbs must put on the package any applications they’re not compatible with, and all the ones I’ve seen have included digital timers on that list. Here’s what the government website energystar.gov had to say about it:
“While CFLs can be used with mechanical timers, electronic or digital timers may cause interference with the electronic ballast, and can adversely affect product performance. Typically, CFLs used on electronic or digital timers will fail far before their rated lifetime.”