Everyone claims that the new energy efficient light bulbs last a long time, some claim seven years! I have had three already that have burned out within less than three months. Has anyone else had this same problem? They are pretty pricey for this to happen.
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
3 bulbs in 3 months? Your fixture is improperly grounded.
They last longer when used for longer stretches of time, such as reading or lighting rooms. They blow faster when used for short periods of time such as in closets and pantries. I think they were designed that way.
I had a cfl burn out on me in weeks- there are a couple of reasons
1. Bad product run - try another package or brand
2. bad luck - chances are slim
You need to make sure you bought the right type of CFL bulbs. If you use them with dimmer switches, timers, 3 way light fixtures, in enclosed lighting or outdoor lights need special types of CFL bulbs.
Also I read several reviews and articles stating you will get the best luck if you stick with a brand name bulb. They mentioned 3 in particular but at the moment I can only remember 2: GE and Sylvania.
I only recently purchased GE Energy Smart CFL bulbs and they come with a guarantee of lasting 5 years or they will replace the bulb for you.
Also check with your electric company as many are offering some free bulbs or rebates on the ones you buy or are offering price cuts at certain stores.
Some CFL facts on the GE page here:
www.gelighting.com/
At the link above you can click on "coupons" and you can print up to 2 coupons for $1 off. There also were coupons in the Sunday paper several weeks ago good through Dec if you save those coupon sections.
If 'Marshfield Utilities' is your power company check here:
focusonenergy.com/
I've had the same experience as you have had and have finally switched back to regular bulbs.
I've had several that have lasted for years and others that have gone out after months. I've tried several brands with no difference and always go with the smallest wattage. I do not use them in closets or places where the light is turned on for just a small amount of time. It's really frustrating. My old ones that I bought before they were "fashionable" have really lasted, but the newer ones don't last.
I'm with Tori. Remember when everyone complained we were killing all the trees and started using plastic bags? No one thought ahead to see the nightmare that created. At least trees are a renewable natural resource.
I suspect it may be the fixture. I have a fan with 3 lights underneath that used up regular bulbs at an amazing pace. It works better with the CFL bulbs, but my mother is having the opposite result with her fan lights.
Where I live you cant even find the old bulbs anymore. There are some places I don't want to use the new ones and that's aggravating.
No matter the brand, they are ALL made in China. I'm thinking quality control is not the most consistent there. Also, they could give the CFL bulbs a 100-year warranty, but lets face it: no one is going to spend equal to or greater than the cost of the bulb to send it back for a replacement!
I too have the bulbs burning out 3 or 4 already and you can't get the others here, good job regulators. take them back to wal-mart they are fairly liberal about that. there is an added health risk with them as well....mercury these bulbs were all used in different fixtures i might add.
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!