Dimmable LED light bulbs seem more economical than halogens. But they're really expensive. Will they quickly come down in price, so I should wait? Or will they come down slowly, so I might as well start saving?
Also, how good is the dimming? I tried dimmable CFL's, but they don't seem to dim past 50%.
posted by musofire
on May 9, 2013 -
13 answers
I'm apparently part of the minority that really dislikes warm colored light. I used daylight incandescent bulbs back in the day, and I'm looking for an equivalent CFL. All I've been able to find are either pink/orange (supplied by the apartment) or blue (the GE bulbs at the grocery store). Isn't there a good, just, white? Like the tubes in an office building?
posted by hishtafel
on Feb 27, 2013 -
11 answers
While changing a bulb in one of our rooms, replacing a LED with a CFL because of a need for brighter lighting in this work area, it suddenly hit me: Why does an LED light have a bulb? In both incandescent and CFLs, the bulbs trap gas (or vacuum as the case may be.) But why an LED? It doesn't use a gas and it doesn't need to operate in a near-vacuum for efficiency. Closer examination showed that the bulb was plastic and had no lensing effect.
This question is almost answered
here. Because of the question regarding heat sinks (which seem much reduced in modern LED lights, I'm guessing the answer is because they get hot. So I'm guessing that's what it is, though I also think that having a bulb makes it easier to screw into the socket. Taking these points together, I can imagine getting a burn if there was not bulb by brushing up agains an LED stalk that was on until a few seconds ago when you decided to unscrew it.
So...have I answered my own question or is there more behind the bulb?
posted by BillW
on Jan 29, 2013 -
9 answers
Can I use a CFL or LED bulb in an outside flood light type fixture that is hooked up to an in-wall Intermatic timer? I was told no but I would like to confirm. If that is the case, I'd love a short explanation in plain English. I tried Googling but I'm still confused.
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posted by dottiechang
on Nov 10, 2012 -
11 answers
So my cat just spectacularly broke a CFL lightbulb. I've read the other Asks on this topic, but I still have a few questions.
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posted by Coatlicue
on Sep 28, 2012 -
17 answers
Is there a better option than incandescent bulbs for my kitchen? More inside...
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posted by daver
on Apr 24, 2011 -
7 answers
Help me figure out if compact fluorescents are the right lights for my outdoor light fixture? Difficulty: the fixture is on an electric eye, the weather gets really cold in the winter, and the lights will be oriented vertically (with the sockets on the bottom).
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posted by fremen
on Dec 17, 2010 -
17 answers
Okay, need some help regarding a broken CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) in my 2-year-old son's room. I've looked through a couple of similar questions here, but this situation is a little different so I'm hoping for more specific insight. I've also already seen a lot of varying information relating to proper clean-up procedures, potential long-term contamination and adverse health effects, etc. I really need to know what I should be concerned about with regard to my son's health.
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posted by S1C EM
on Feb 11, 2010 -
24 answers
Has the relatively widespread uptake of CFL bulbs actually had any significant effect upon global energy useage?
posted by SueDenim
on Jan 22, 2010 -
7 answers
I bought a new lamp today and the sticker by the bulb receptacle says "40 Watts max", so I think fine...
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posted by dbmcd
on Nov 17, 2009 -
9 answers
I had 4 compact fluorescent bulbs (candelabra base) in a ceiling fan that I recently installed and they would flicker terribly until I replaced one with an incandescent bulb and it stopped. The fan is not on a dimmer switch. Any ideas on what is causing this and does it need to be fixed?
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posted by tvgraphicsguy
on Sep 20, 2009 -
11 answers
Someone balanced a compact fluorescent lightbulb on my doorknob so that it would break inside my apartment when I opened the door. Can I do anything about this? Am I overreacting?
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posted by telegraph
on Aug 25, 2009 -
30 answers
When my window-unit air conditioner revs its motor, my overhead light dims... then seriously brightens up when the AC slows down. It's annoying. Is there anything I can do?
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posted by SuperNova
on Aug 19, 2009 -
13 answers
Why do "specialty"-shaped compact fluorescent bulbs take longer to come to full brightness than CFL bulbs in the more standard helical shape?
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posted by Juffo-Wup
on Jan 27, 2009 -
7 answers
Which CFL bulbs are the longest lasting and cheapest to buy? I'm concerned about saving money on my electric bill but not worried about mercury content (if lights are broken). Are there any CFL bulb giveaways
that are online?
posted by boby
on Dec 20, 2008 -
12 answers
Can anyone suggest a bar around Miami that will show the Grey Cup this Sunday? And what are some ways to experience S. Florida Thanksgiving?
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posted by bookley
on Nov 21, 2008 -
1 answer
Are there some specific CFL models that will light just like my old soft incandescent light bulbs?
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posted by metajc
on Sep 12, 2008 -
13 answers
Let's say there are two identical light fixtures, on two identical dimmer switches. One fixture has two 15W dimmer-compatible compact fluorescent lights, the other has two standard 60W incandescent bulbs. The dimmer switches are turned just beyond the "off" position to the "dimmest" position (identical on both dimmers). What will the difference in power utilization be between the two fixtures?
posted by eschatfische
on Feb 27, 2008 -
8 answers
I broke a compact fluorescent light bulb in my bedroom. Rudimentary cleanup, but I'm
must go to bed, and my husband's already asleep in there. I saw the scary "leave the room for 15 minutes" mercury warnings on the government cleanup page. Anybody know the science? How bad is this?
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posted by LobsterMitten
on Feb 27, 2008 -
10 answers
I have been switching over to CFL bulbs, but have many lights on dimmers. Dimmable CFLs exist, and they exist in the sizes I need too, but I would like to find a supplier in Vancouver or at least within Canada, as paying customs charges on freaking
light bulbs would be a real kick in the pants.
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posted by pascal
on Feb 13, 2007 -
13 answers
