LauraGB Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 ...don't really last anywhere near as long as they claim to? I'm sitting here and the bulb in my room just winked out and stayed that way. I put it in way less than a year ago. Admittedly, they last longer than the old ones, but it doesn't equal the "up to 7 years" stated on the box, nor does it justify the price. I have replaced several - different brands, btw - throughout our house in under a year! Is there an electrical issue in my house, or does this happen to anyone else? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marylou Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 Ours don't last long either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Country Mouse Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 I dunno, I haven't had mine for any where near 7 years but it just occurred to me yesterday that I haven't had to purchase or change a light bulb in a loooonnngg time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer in MI Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 Same here. We've switched back to the regular non-green bulbs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyof4ks Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 Nope, we gave up and went back to 'regular' bulbs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 I dunno, I haven't had mine for any where near 7 years but it just occurred to me yesterday that I haven't had to purchase or change a light bulb in a loooonnngg time. :iagree: We changed ours out about two years ago and haven't replaced one since. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orthodox6 Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 Ours last a long time. CFLs, I mean. I don't know how long, because we never have had one go out yet ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OrganicAnn Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 If you have them in lights that have dimmers then they will burn out sooner. I don't know if power surges or other issues would contribute to shorter lives. It sounds like the responses are so far are either 1) they burn out fast or 2) we haven't had to replace them. So I would guess that there must be some electric issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elw_miller Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 (edited) Didn't Congress approve (and President Bush sign) a bill that bans incandescent (regular) bulbs? They're supposed to be gone by 2010 or 2012 or something like that. I did want to add that most of our bulbs are the new CFLs and we haven't had any go out in a long while. Edited September 14, 2009 by elw_miller Forgot to add... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy in KS Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 When we've tried them, they burn out quickly (one to two months max). We're stocking up on the traditional kind!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pip Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 A few years ago I read an article about the life of these bulbs. Apparently they will last a long time if you leave them on. Constantly turning them off and on will shorten their life by a significant amount. We were having problems with them dying quickly. We started using them in lights the girls tend to leave on - like the hallway and the kitchen - and they have lasted a long time. But in lamps on bedside tables and others places where we are diligent about turning lights off, incandescant bulbs are more energy efficient and will last longer. Our worst experience was using them in closets! The technology may have changed since I read the article, but that was the skinny at the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KS_ Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 I don't know if power surges or other issues would contribute to shorter lives. It sounds like the responses are so far are either 1) they burn out fast or 2) we haven't had to replace them. So I would guess that there must be some electric issue. We tried some, and they burnt out much faster than I anticipated - sometimes faster than the incandescent. However, we have a lot of power surges and such where we live, and I have a suspicion that the surges and and outages played a part in that. We switched back to incandescent bulbs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirtroad Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 (edited) No, they don't last as long by hours or time that it boasts on the box. They do outlast the plain old bulbs... but I do not know if they are cost effective. I have started writing the dates on the bulbs when I put them in the socket as an effort to monitor it. I will say the lighting is better in my house b/c we have mostly dark wood floors & barnwood walls in kitchen & dining area (where we have school) and the new bulbs give us more light. Economically and with product quality... I am not impressed as I should be for the outrageous price increase.:glare: Thinking about post of "leaving them on more"... doesn't that defeat the purpose of saving energy. Be interesting to see if it helps. If that is right... Why not just use the old ones & run them longer... it would still be cheaper per bulb. Edited September 14, 2009 by Dirtroad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyof4ks Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 When we've tried them, they burn out quickly (one to two months max). We're stocking up on the traditional kind!!! We are stocking up too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hillary in KS Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 We are stocking up too! We are as well. I buy a couple of boxes every time I'm at the store. However, we rarely have to replace the "old-style" bulbs. Maybe we're just gentle on them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thescrappyhomeschooler Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 I just had this conversation with dh this morning. I think they burn out fast, but he disagrees. Of course, I know I'm right. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SonshineLearner Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 I put dates with permanent markers on my bulbs, just to see how long they lasted. My "green" bulb that's yellow:-) for the porch lasted almost 2years. We leave it on all day and night... Carrie:-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicole M Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 I think it really depends on which brand you are buying. I purchase most of ours from IKEA and they last a very long time. I started using them in the early 90s, and the quality of light and durability was pretty poor back then. So compared to the olden days, the ones now are a dream. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tabrett Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 I think I read that the life span of Green bulbs lasting 7 years was biased on only using the bulb 3 hours a day. I use my lights way more than 3 hours a day!!! I guess they expect you to only use the light when you get home from work :lol:. Guess I'll have to school in the dark! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pamela H in Texas Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 Yeah, it's based on how many hours still. I think we've only changed two or three bulbs in the couple years we've had them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 We still have the same bulbs burning in the kitchen from 7 years ago. We have a few others in lamps that we have had over 9 years. The only ones we have had problems with was one batch we got from Costco and the ones we have in contained enclosures. We have stairway lights with vents, and they only last a year in there. We already knew that the enclosures will greatly reduce their life span, but it is still cheaper in the long run because the lights are on all night long. I would say that they have lasted us a very long time considering how often they are used. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 I dunno, I haven't had mine for any where near 7 years but it just occurred to me yesterday that I haven't had to purchase or change a light bulb in a loooonnngg time. Me too. Of course that means I will need new ones soon. lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen in PA Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 We haven't had a green lightbulb die yet.... A few were in this house when we moved in over four years ago, including a few I keep on all night, every night. We have slowly added more over the past two years, and none have burned out yet. We buy them wherever we see them on sale, so we have a mix of brands. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudyJudyJudy Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 Most of the so-called "green" light bulbs aren't truly green. They contain mercury. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraGB Posted September 14, 2009 Author Share Posted September 14, 2009 Most of the so-called "green" light bulbs aren't truly green. They contain mercury. And the manufacturing of them is highly questionable in the sense of "green" as well. Which is why if they are going to market them as such, I feel they should at the very least result in a longer lasting bulb. I have a collection of them to turn in to the local recycle place rather than just throwing them out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudyJudyJudy Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 And the manufacturing of them is highly questionable in the sense of "green" as well. Which is why if they are going to market them as such, I feel they should at the very least result in a longer lasting bulb. I have a collection of them to turn in to the local recycle place rather than just throwing them out. I haven't had to change one yet, but I won't be buying more as long as I have a choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendi Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 We keep replacing our kitchen light bulbs, and the packages claim they last years! Wendi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janet in WA Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 We've had mixed experiences with them. Some last well, some don't. Some last, but get dimmer over time. It's been my impression that those I've purchased more recently are of better quality than the earliest ones we tried. I think the technology is improving. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wyndie Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 Most of the so-called "green" light bulbs aren't truly green. They contain mercury. Yes which is very scary considering how many people just toss them in the trash where they break and release the mercury into the air! I don't have any either and plan not too for as long as I can. DH and I are actually considering going to candles or other alternative light sources if incandescents really can't be bought. There's a rather large movement trying to get this reversed. I think we should have a choice to use them or not. If I'm willing to pay my energy bill and avoid mercury, I don't think incandencents should be banned. I'm curious how this will play out though b/c if Pres. Obama passes a bill to outlaw manmade mercury, I wonder what they will do with the "green" bulbs that contain them and how they will manufacture more... rambling thoughts... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Radish4ever Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 Mixed experiences here, as well. We have dimmers and it's nearly impossible to find dimmer compatible bulbs at the stores I've looked at.... The bulbs have been fine in our bathrooms, halls, kitchen, etc, but our bedrooms and living room and dining room are apparently hard on bulbs... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngieW in Texas Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 Most of our light bulbs are on ceiling fans. I found out at our last house that the compact fluorescent bulbs don't do well at all with vibration. I only use them when the light isn't on a ceiling fan. They end up lasting for years, but that's because we rarely turn them on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QueenCat Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 I've read in a few places now that they're most effective, and live up to their claims more in lamps that are on for more than 10 minutes, rather than ones that are on/off frequently. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy+2 Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 We had our smoke detectors sounding off through the entire house due to a green bulb in my son's room. It basically overheated and caused a smoky look throughout the room and the hallway. It was very SCARY!! That situation and the fact that my neighbors son threw a ball and accidently broke 2 out of a light fixture in her home. They had to call in haz-mat crew who demanded that she rip up her carpet and replace it in her office due to a mercury reading. Ugh...what a mess! No more in our home!! Starting to stock up on the oldies but the goodies!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lilymax Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 I don't buy them anymore because I haven't seen an improvement in how long they last, either. And the mercury issue...sheesh. With two (soon to be three) boys, two cats and two dogs, lamps often get knocked over. The first time we broke a green bulb, I didn't know about the mercury issue and we just vacuumed it up as usual. Then when I heard about it, and heard what we were SUPPOSED to have done to clean it up??? I was so upset that it wasn't more common knowledge how toxic those things are. How in the heck is that any better for the environment? It's crazy! Add me to the stocking-up-on-incandescents club. The only place we're using our flourescents is in outdoor light fixtures, where they aren't going to be knocked over and broken. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekland Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 They don't last here. I tried them and was disgusted at the waste of money. The mercury is an added incentive to stock up on regular bulbs. I wonder what the black market price of regular bulbs will be when people can't buy them anymore? :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TravelingChris Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 They are bad for people who get migraines and are sun sensitive too. I am going to start stocking up. THe problem is that we are military and have to keep moving. Two of us are migrainers and I am have the sun sensitivity associated with lupus. I am also going to try the non fluorescent new bulbs but I hear they are much dimmer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KidsHappen Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 My hubby brought home one of those mercury filled ones once and I honest to God broke down crying. He said, "OMG! I will return it then. I knew you didn't like them but I had no idea you felt so strongly about it." A few months later I was at Home Depot with my dd and SIL and they were going to buy some of these bulbs and I told them they should because they had mercury in them. My SIL said, "No way." So I told him to check the lable. He promptly put them back on the shelves and got some regular ones. My brother unfortunately, has not come around and has a house full of the things. As far as how long they last, I think it may have something to do with the individual outlets. Since we have moved into this house (two years ago yesterday), we have had to replace some bulbs six times and other ones not at all. As far as I can tell, it doesn't really have much to do with how often the light is used either. I will resort to oil lamps and candles before I have mercury in my home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2a&z Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 We have lots of recessed lighting in our house and have yet to replace an incandescent bulb. We've lived here 3 1/2 years. The bulbs in the lamps tend to go out quicker, but I don't care. I won't buy one of the new bulbs with mercury in it. My parents have put the new bulbs in their house and I hate the light it gives off. Guess I need to start stocking up on the incandescents! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Virginia Dawn Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 Ours last far longer and have been saving us money on our electric bill, but I think they are ugly, lol. We only put them in as old bulbs burn out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anita in NC Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 We have had a horrible experience with the CFL bulbs. They burn out in just a few short weeks. I will not buy any more of them. We have a huge box of burned out ones that I need to dispose of correctly. I believe Home Depot will take them and recycle them. I had put some CFLs in the bathroom. I have one of those light fixtures with a row of bulbs and put a CFL in every other socket. All the CFLs burned out in about a month. The regular light bulbs that have been there YEARS still work just fine. DH is now experimenting with the new LED light bulbs. We will see how they hold up over time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Virginia Dawn Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 Ours have done great, about 3 years or more, altho we haven't replaced them all over. The mercury doesn't scare me, I've read extensively about the clean up, and totally dismissed the hysterical stories about "my aunt's next door neighbor's cousin had to pay $6000 to clean up after her bulb broke". I believe they're already making a 'new generation' of this type that will be even better. I was thinking this too. I certainly wouldn't inform anyone if I broke a bulb, I would just clean it up myself. It helps that we don't have wall to wall carpeting. :) In the 70's we put mercury thermometers in our mouths, and they often fell on the floor and broke. It wasn't a big deal, we just swept it up. However, when they do start burning out, I will take take them to a proper disposal place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justamouse Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 Mine don't last long, and they give me headaches. I had to switch back to soft whites. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 I battle with myself about CFLs. For the last couple of years, I lived in a completely carpeted apartment without window ventilation in some areas. I flat out refused to use CFLs there because I was not confident that I could properly/safely clean up a break. Plus, there was nobody home for most of the day, so if the cats had knocked over a lamp, the broken bulb could have been sitting there for hours. A few months ago, we moved into a house with a lot of windows and hard wood floors. I have now comprised and use CFLs in some overhead lights which are unlikely to be broken. I still won't use them in lamps which sit on the floor or on tables. Once we have kids big enough to throw things, we might have to re consider using them in overhead lighting... Although, by that time, we won't have an option to go back to traditional blulbs if the current legislation remains in place. :angry: We are monitoring the progress of LED bulbs. We purchased one and were not impressed, but we have high hopes for the future. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cillakat Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 ...don't really last anywhere near as long as they claim to? I'm sitting here and the bulb in my room just winked out and stayed that way. I put it in way less than a year ago. Admittedly, they last longer than the old ones, but it doesn't equal the "up to 7 years" Just take them back. K Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 Yes...and they are a pain to dispose of around here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraGB Posted September 14, 2009 Author Share Posted September 14, 2009 Just take them back. K This is reasonable. Dh suggested this also. However, I do not have the good sense and foresight to keep boxes or receipts. I'm glad its not just my house. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawn in OH Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 We had a problem with the light bulbs not lasting as long as they should. My husband called the manufacturer and was told that the light bulbs won't last as long if they are frequently turned on and off. They are meant to be turned on and left on for at least 15 minutes (I think that's what they said). So we changed the light bulbs in places where the light will not be on for long periods of time such as the bathroom and the halls, where the lights are turned on and off frequently. We haven't had a problem with them since. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommy22alyns Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 We switched a lot out about a year ago and haven't changed any of those bulbs since. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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