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Energy Efficient Light Bulbs Burning Out?

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.

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Laurie from Marshfield, WI

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By Dan (Guest Post)
November 4, 20080 found this helpful

3 bulbs in 3 months? Your fixture is improperly grounded.

 
By Linda B, GA (Guest Post)
November 4, 20080 found this helpful

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.

 
November 4, 20080 found this helpful

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

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3. Wrong wattage for the outlet - try a lower or higher one
4. Some outlets are older and don't work with CFL's
Sometimes you just have to go with a regular lightbulb, however, you may want to try a lower watt one - drop from 100 to 60 to save money.

 
November 4, 20080 found this helpful

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.

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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/.../faq_compact.htm

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/.../cfls.aspx

 
By doglvr (Guest Post)
November 5, 20080 found this helpful

I've had the same experience as you have had and have finally switched back to regular bulbs.

 

Silver Feedback Medal for All Time! 472 Feedbacks
November 6, 20080 found this helpful

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.

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They don't save much money when you have to keep running to the store to replace them or mail them back. I'm beginning to think that companies are trading quality for quantity in an effort to make money, or they may be just a new advertising ploy to get money.

 

Silver Feedback Medal for All Time! 407 Feedbacks
November 6, 20080 found this helpful

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.

 

Silver Feedback Medal for All Time! 337 Feedbacks
November 6, 20080 found this helpful

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.

 
By (Guest Post)
November 10, 20080 found this helpful

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.

 
March 13, 20090 found this helpful

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!

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In the end it's a leap of faith. You buy a 6-pack at Sam's and hope 3 of them last a year or more. Wonder what the break-even point is on electric cost savings per bulb?

 
April 26, 20100 found this helpful

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.

 

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