questions about low consumption light bulbs

newuser · #1 09-04-2005, 11:13 AM

Many posters have suggested using low energy consumption light bulbs to lower electric bills and for use with inverters so that the batteries will not discharge as fast.

I have two questions.

Are these bulbs flourescent lighting?

For those of you that have these bulbs in your house, how do you view the color of the light? Is it equal to incandescent lighting or does it have the hue of flourescent lighting?

Escott · #2 09-04-2005, 11:30 AM

They are horrible and not kind on the eyes.

Dragonfly32837 · #3 09-04-2005, 12:42 PM

I don't like them either. The room stays kind of dark. I don't know if it's because our ceilings are really tall or what, but I don't like them.

playacaribe2 · #4 09-04-2005, 12:47 PM

Newuser:

I currently use them almost exclusively here in the U.S. and have shipped over 75 of them (various types, wattages) for use in my home in the D.R. The bulbs that I have purchased give a hue very very close to incandescent bulbs and nowhere near the harsh lighting of the flourescents.

Some previous posters have angrily pointed out that some of these bulbs did not last long despite claims of 10,000 hours on the packages. And, if I paid 100 pesos per bulb I would be upset as well. That has also been my experience with a handful of bulbs over the years. However, they are very inexpensive here (.50-1.00 US) and the cost has been more than offset by the savings they have provided to me over the ten plus years I have used them.

Respectfully,
Playacaribe2

AZB · #5 09-04-2005, 02:04 PM

Ok, only listen to me because I have been using them for 7 yrs.
First of all, don't buy them in DR (they cost alot and last only 1 day to 1 week plus). Go to "home depot" in USA and buy the white light bulbs in a pack of 5 or more. Look for only major brand ex: GE, sylvania etc. Bring them here and have them installed. They will last forever and give you good light that is not unfriendly to your eyes. If they are, don't worry, you will get used to it in 2 days. Case closed.
AZB

Dragonfly32837 · #6 09-04-2005, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZB

Ok, only listen to me because I have been using them for 7 yrs.
First of all, don't buy them in DR (they cost alot and last only 1 day to 1 week plus). Go to "home depot" in USA and buy the white light bulbs in a pack of 5 or more. Look for only major brand ex: GE, sylvania etc. Bring them here and have them installed. They will last forever and give you good light that is not unfriendly to your eyes. If they are, don't worry, you will get used to it in 2 days. Case closed.
AZB

What are they called? Low consumption light bulbs? Is that what it says on the box? I should probably buy many and bring them with me on my next trip.

Rocky · #7 09-04-2005, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragonfly32837

What are they called? Low consumption light bulbs? Is that what it says on the box? I should probably buy many and bring them with me on my next trip.

The ones that people consider unfriendly for their eyes, are the white ones.
The soft glow bulbs are just the same in appearance as any other soft glow bulbs.
I buy the GE's at PriceSmart in Santiago and they last years & years.
They are marked on the box as low consumption bulbs and will show you the wattage, ie: 16 watts, with the luminescence of a 70 watt bulb.

AZB · #8 09-04-2005, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragonfly32837

What are they called? Low consumption light bulbs? Is that what it says on the box? I should probably buy many and bring them with me on my next trip.

They are low consumption flourescent bulbs (not tubes). You will see that they don't look like the regular bulbs, instead they are winding small tubes in a shape to fill a regular bulb size. Don't worry, you will not make a mistake when you will see them. Bring them in hand as they will break in luggage. Security at the airport will let you bring it in hand in a bag. I have bought 5 bulbs in a bulk pack called "bright effects" compact fluorescent 60 watts replacement that last up to 7yrs. In reality it only consumes 13 watts total power. This brand was unknown but since the sales man told me if it burns out prematurly, he would replace the whole pack for free. I bought them in home depot in atlanta. Cost was very reasonable like 5 dollars and change for all 5. these bulbs are tiny and can fit in anywhere ex: ceiling fan lighting, bulb enclosure on the ceiling etc. The light is the same color as the regular light bulb (not the bluish tint) and I have them lighting up my home for about a year without a single burnout. Now if you buy GE then you will definitely get a better product but you will also pay higher price. Remember, Walmart have them too but they are a bit expensive (still cheap) and they may not come in quantity in 5 plus. I recommend home depot and look for the specials.
Good luck
AZB (HUGE fan of home depot).

Rocky · #9 09-04-2005, 05:44 PM

The GE's sell for approx. $3 US/each at PriceSmart, if that helps you make your decision, as to whether to bring them along or not.

Gringo · #10 09-05-2005, 07:20 AM

I buy the big Fat Albert type bulbs here in DR. they cost 100+ each but last for years........I use them in my office and home. Don't buy Daylight!
Buy soft warm, you can not tell the differance........