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Have a few around the house and sure I only bought them because they were seriously on sale. Personally, just not bright enough for me.

This was topic on talk radio station I listen to here in NJ. I know they cost significantly more than "old-fashioned" incandescent bulbs but also last MUCH longer. What I didn't know about was the hazards in dealing with a possible breakage. Any kind of broken glass accident can be difficult to totally clean up. On rare occasion where I've had to deal with a dropped glass or jar, usually end up finding a piece of 2 that I missed after I thought I had it all up.

These CFLs contain mercury and one of the show callers was talking about HOW you have to deal with one if you drop it. You're NOT supposed to touch pieces. Need to remove all people and pets from area. Dispose of broken pieces in a sealed container. Turn off AC or heat and air out area for at least 4 hours.

And WHERE are just about ALL of these bulbs made?!? Take a WILD guess! One of the show host said they were going to stock-up/hoard incandescents... they won't be available after 1/1/2012. I didn't catch entire segment, so not sure if this is an NJ thiing or country-wide. Honestly, I'll probably stock up, too.

It is a country wide thing. This year it only affects 100 watt incandescent bulbs. It doesn't and as far as I know won't affect things like candelabra base bulbs and specialty bulbs just your typical incandescent.

IMHO CFL's are going to have a relatively short life span as LED lights come down in price. LED's use even less energy and last even longer and they are nearly instant on at full brightness. I have some CFL's in my house and in some places they make sense. They make no sense in a room that the lights are on for short periods of time like closets and bathrooms. Turning them on and off repeatedly as you would in these two situations will lead to a very short lifespan for the bulb.

Florescent tubes also have mercury and no one seems to be getting their panties in a twist over that.

EPA Site

We are going to have incandescent bulbs around for quite awhile. I actually do not use any 100 watt bulbs in my house. When a fixture has 4 or 5 bulbs in it, I find that 40 or 60 watts bulbs are enough (depending on the room, of course).

There's been a tremendous amount of over reaction on cleaning up a broken CFL bulb. Be an informed consumer.

And remember come elec tion time who is messing with our country! What in the world is con gress doing legis lating LIGHT BULBS when they can't even balance the bud get?!

My brother-in-law has two light switches in the bathroom. I detest the CFLs! Every time we are over visiting, I turn on the vanity lights - aka "specialty" lights. He also installed them in the kitchen. I don't know if they are all like this, but they are not instant on. These have to warm up. So you stand there in the dark for a bit before the lights warm up enough to turn on. ???

I tried one round of halogens when they were the latest and greatest. They did not last any longer in my recessed fixtures than incandescent and were more costly to purchase.

From Wikipedia
United States
Individual state efforts
California will phase out the use of incandescent bulbs by 2018 as part of bill by California State Assembly member Jared Huffman (D-Santa Rosa) that was signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on October 12, 2007. The bill aims to establish a minimum standard of twenty-five lumens per watt by 2013 and sixty lumens per watt by 2018.

Connecticut legislation was proposed by state Representative Mary M. Mushinsky (D-Wallingford).

New Jersey Assemblyman Larry Chatzidakis introduced a bill on February 8, 2007 that calls for the state to eliminate incandescent bulbs in government buildings over the next three years. Chatzidakis said, "The light bulb was invented a long time ago and a lot of things have changed since then. I obviously respect the memory of Thomas Edison, but what we're looking at here is using less energy."

Federal legislation
In December 2007, many of these state efforts became moot when the federal government enacted the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which requires all general-purpose light bulbs that produce 310–2600 lumens of light be 30% more energy efficient (similar to current halogen lamps) than current incandescent bulbs by 2012 to 2014. The efficiency standards will start with 100-watt bulbs in January 2012 and end with 40-watt bulbs in January 2014.

Light bulbs outside of this range are exempt from the restrictions. Also exempt are several classes of specialty lights, including appliance lamps, rough service bulbs, 3-way, colored lamps, and plant lights.

By 2020, a second tier of restrictions would become effective, which requires all general-purpose bulbs to produce at least 45 lumens per watt (similar to current CFLs). Exemptions from the Act include reflector flood, 3-way, candelabra, colored, and other specialty bulbs.

Thanks for mentioning the following:

quote:

Exemptions from the Act include reflector flood, 3-way, candelabra, colored, and other specialty bulbs

There are so many specialty lighting fixtures that need "the other". We purchased the hanging light fixture that can be attached to a recessed light without hiring an electrician. I was shocked when it said to use the smaller candelabra bulb. It truly puts out a great deal of light! And neighbors have noticed how lovely it looks in the window.

It's amazing how long we've survived on the old bulbs and it was not a detriment. Guess all those craft projects using lightbulbs will have to cease once the new ones are in place. Can't break those without your hazmut suits being worn.

The really sad thing is Americans are generally led like sheep to the slaughter on supposed "energy savings" programs like this with the carrot of "lower energy bills" being held out.

The details are conveniently left out. The mercury vapor is a problem but relatively minor when factored in against all the other costs.

Loss of freedom of choice, lost American jobs, lost American tax revenue and self sufficiency on yet another necessary product, financially benefits China, absolutely zero reduction in energy used to MANUFACTURE the lamps, (in fact they cost SUBSTANTIALLY more environmentally speaking to create).

Also factor in there will be NO rate /KWH reduction for any utility as any substantial anticipated revenue loss for the utilities will be presented to the state Public Utilities Commissions as a justification for rate increases.

In addition the majority of American households keep adding electrical devices to replace any very minute current drop form a few CFLS and many folks use multiple CFLS to create the same lumen level as they had with incandescents.

The same logic applies to electric cars. We want fewer power generating plants (as the justification for CFLs) but then we are encouraged to buy electric cars which will need recharging. This will require MORE generating plants to be built and a LOT more infrastructure wiring.

The list of conveniently forgotten details is endless.

Too bad some folks do not understand the concept that sometimes, OLD school is the BEST.

Today I heard that the Texas governor is proposing a bill that Texans can purchase any light bulb made in Texas - incandescent, CFL, halogen, etc. While we don't have a bulb manufacturer in Texas, we may soon have one!

Oh! Here's a story about it!
http://articles.latimes.com/20...light-bulbs-20110710

There is a medical exceptiion to the CFL bulbs. You can get a prescription from your doctor for incandescent light bulbs if you have migrain headaches or seizures.

I M Joyce, thanks for this info! Some months back the Dollar Tree store was still selling what I call "the real light bulbs". I now have a supply on hand if that nasty law takes affect! Blessings!

Hi Everyone! Anyone hear about the light from an orange bulb helping one to sleep?
We have been using a 45 watt orange bulb above our bed a few hours before sleep for a week or two now because hubby needs more! I'd like a brighter one. Anyone know where to buy one?
Blessings and hang in there!

In 2012 only 100 watt bulbs are affected...just one in the well house to keep things from freezing...we can go to the heavy duty bulbs for that. We don't use many of those, but for 2013 - 60 watt and 2014- 40 watt. Remember there are exceptions in specialty bulbs...

Wikipedia:
United States[edit] Individual state effortsCalifornia will phase out the use of incandescent bulbs by 2018 as part of bill by California State Assembly member Jared Huffman (D-Santa Rosa) that was signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on October 12, 2007. The bill aims to establish a minimum standard of twenty-five lumens per watt by 2013 and sixty lumens per watt by 2018.[28][29]

Connecticut legislation was proposed by state Representative Mary M. Mushinsky (D-Wallingford).[30][31]

New Jersey Assemblyman Larry Chatzidakis introduced a bill on February 8, 2007 that calls for the state to eliminate incandescent bulbs in government buildings over the next three years. Chatzidakis said, "The light bulb was invented a long time ago and a lot of things have changed since then. I obviously respect the memory of Thomas Edison, but what we're looking at here is using less energy."[32]

[edit] Federal legislationIn December 2007, many of these state efforts became moot when the federal government enacted the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which requires all general-purpose light bulbs that produce 310–2600 lumens of light[33] be 30% more energy efficient (similar to current halogen lamps) than then-current incandescent bulbs by 2012 to 2014. The efficiency standards will start with 100-watt bulbs in January 2012 and end with 40-watt bulbs in January 2014.

Light bulbs outside of this range are exempt from the restrictions. Also exempt are several classes of specialty lights, including appliance lamps, rough service bulbs, 3-way, colored lamps, stage lighting, and plant lights.

By 2020, a second tier of restrictions would become effective, which requires all general-purpose bulbs to produce at least 45 lumens per watt (similar to current CFLs). Exemptions from the Act include reflector flood, 3-way, candelabra, colored, and other specialty bulbs.[34]

In 2011, Rep. Joe Barton of Texas and 14 other Republicans joined to introduce the Better Use of Light Bulbs Act or BULB Act (H.R. 91), which would have repealed Subtitle B of Title III of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Barton was opposed to regulation, while Rep. Michael Burgess pointed to jobs purportedly lost to China and voiced a fear of mercury problems resulting from CFL use.[35] On July 12, 2011, H.R. 2417 failed to pass by the required two-thirds majority in the U.S. House.[36]

the things is there are hazards everywhere look at what they have said about those electric towers and cell phone towers .We still use our microwaves and our cell phones and how many people have granite in there houses .I did my house as green as I could but you still have to cut back somewhere .Halogen bulbs get hot enough to cause a good sized burn on your skin .I tried to use as few dangerous items as I could and got a great price on LED bulbs online and have all LED tv's and puters are led flat panel .You have to concern and save your pocket book too .My electric bill right now on 2440 sq.ft. house is about a 100 dollars a month and the house has to be all electric no other utilities in the country .

I will readily admit that I don't know all of the new rules and regulations, restrictions and such but I do have a very strong opinion on NOT BEING ABLE to buy the lightbulbs I want!

I am very light sensitive and the light I like is YELLOW - not that poor imitation of blue/white that makes everyone looks like de*ath warmed over - not to mention the other problems associated with them...

Can anyone tell me what the rules are? Effective dates? Just might have to adjust my budget and start stock-piling some lightbulbs. For goodness sakes, what is this country coming to when we are told what light bulbs we can use in our lamps ????

IR, See my post above.

I agree wholeheartedly! Con*gress is wasting time legislating LIGHT BULBS?! They can't even balance THE nat*ion's checkbook!!

In Texas...a law has been passed that if an incandescent light manufacturer will start manufacturing bulbs in Texas...Texans can buy them. They can be sold only in Texas, not across the state line.

Hmmmm, good thing I have relatives in Texas - maybe time to pay them a visit?

there are no dangers in leds and they do come in different hues .I have seen a yellow tint a blue tint and a bright white .I like to conserve energy for the next generation coming .I buy all my LED'S online .I am concerned with energy and conserving it and will be installing a wind sun turbine like they showed on this new house .Even my christmas lights are LED'S and at the end of the season I buy them clearanced out .They are much brighter and do not get hot .I may not be here in the future but I don't want to rob the future of there chance to live normally either .

sissy77, Maybe you have the right idea and can offer more info since it seems that I have been misinformed BUT every "spiral" lightbulb I have had the misfortune to use in lamps in hotel rooms has been very slow to light and gives off that ghastly blue-white light; you can barely see the LED Christmas lights I bought last year - yet you say they are brighter? I must not have bought the right ones...

IR, I agree with you about the regulations and in general do not like CFL bulbs BUT my husband, being a pennypincher wants to use them because he figures they will save money. I must admit that they have improved. The first ones he bought were very, very slow to get to full light. The new ones are faster (but do take a few seconds).

About the LED Christmas lights. The string on my tree (old non-LED) burnt out so I bought LED (which I have been using outside for a few years) and I hate them because they are too bright. They are smack you in the face bright. When they are on you cannot even see any of the decorations. After I get to the store today they are coming off and some others are going up... a softer, yellow color, old fashioned bulb.

I did not buy expensive LED christmas lights I bought cheap ones from walmart and from biglots and they are bright and I love them out doors less lights but tons of bang for your buck .You may have put to many lights on your tree if they are to bright as you really need less of them than normal christmas lights .I even have the candle lights in my windows and they are LED's and I use them all year round as they make great night lights and they all have the automatic sensors on them .The newer cfl's are much nicer and come on faster and are still spiral but wrapped in a glass surround like a regular bulb .Most peope do not realize how really bright lights come on that they not only effect your eyes but your brain .Most eye doctors will tell you cfl's are better and people who get migrains are better off with cfl's .Like people who cannot stand blinking christmas lights .

bonus they do not get hot and dry real trees out as fast besides the energy savings .Less chance of a fire hazard .

Well, as for the Christmas LED lights, I wasn't speaking of indoor lights on a tree - just the ones outside - and those seemed somewhat dim - maybe we needed to buy more of them to get the same effect as the old ones had?

As far as indoor lights (forget about the Christmas ones), when the "spiral" bulbs give off that nice, yellow-infused light instead of the old blue/white light like flourescents, I will be first in line to buy them...

great post still tryin and it really gives a good impression of the newer cfl's on the market .Just like LED"s come in different brightness and colors .You have to look at the box of christmas lights and look for the bright ones .They come in bright white and the bulbs just have the color .Don't get the bulbs with the cloudy color get the ones that have the clear color film on the bulb .

I would have to go with LED lights instead of CFL. They are a bit more in terms of price but it's long life can compensate for it. Plus the fact that we can help our environment by using this kind of light. I think they also appear to be brighter in terms of light emissions. - One

This message has been edited. Last edited by: onelyn,

I do find great price on LED bulbs at sams club 3 for 18 dollars here and the housing is plastic and they are rated for out doors but I also used them indoors and used them to light up my koi pond .I buy my lights after christmas as there are great bargains out there .