skip to main content

Money Saving Tips

About the fluorescent light bulbs

23 years ago

In April's Readers Digest: These bulbs cost between $5 and $10 but you can expect to save up to $16 per year for EACH bulb replaced. The older ones emitted a garish white light so look for the Color Rendition Index (on box, I'm guessing) to be over 80 for a more appealing full spectrum light effect. This seems like the way to go except my ceiling lights won't take the longer ones, they just won't fit in under the glass covering. Also some lamps have too short of shade to allow these bulbs to fit in either. Guess I'll have to measure these areas and carry the measurements with me before I buy.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

Momma_Bird_OH
23 years ago
I love the light these bulbs give off - no so yellow like regular light bulbs. I have them everywhere they will fit - lamps, in the basement fixtures, etc. About the only place they won't fit in my house is in ceiling fans and the kitchen ceiling fixture. Actually, they would fit in the ceiling fans but look too awful.
mid_tn_mama
23 years ago
I found Kmart to have the best prices on these regularly and have heard that if you can hit them on sale they are very economical.
Related Discussions
Cheap, Family Dollar brand, fluorescent bulbs as grow lights.
Q
Comments (5)
I've been using standard, white light fluorescent bulbs in 4' shop lights as plant lighting for years, and even when I did pay the extra cost for grow bulbs, couldn't see any difference in plant growth. But I've also learned to avoid wasting money on the poor quality of bulbs sold at Family Dollar and other "$" chains that import garbage to sell for prices too good to be true. If you are talking about screw base flourescents and want some that will throw a lot of light for little watts and not burn out in a few weeks, try the ones sold for aquariums. I use them in my fish room over tanks that toss up more than a bit of water at them, and they just keep going. I never get less than a year and usually more, of at least 14 hrs. burn, every day, 365. Wal-Mart has the best price for them. At about $6.00 ea., not a Dollar, but in the LONG RUN, still the cheapest.
...See More
Fluorescent Light Bulb
Q
Comments (7)
Thanks everyone for the great information. It is a lot of information to take in when getting started with indoor gardening, especially when your gardening experience is limited anyways. I have been thinking about doing some spinach as well because my wife loves spinach on her salad and sandwiches and I love spinach period. I will probably plant some seeds in the coming weeks. I am planning on doing a blog and maybe a vlog to compliment it to record our progress with this. If just for me to be able to look back and say.. wow look how far I've come. I will let yall know when I get it started if your interested in keeping up to date with how things go. - Also if anyone is interested in co-blogging with me let me know. Might be interested to team up with someone on the blog who has an indoor garden too. I noticed one of my pole beans have sprouted already but I am still waiting on everything else. My 2 inch cut of rosemary hasn't rooted yet (crosses fingers).
...See More
Fluorescent T5 Undercabinet Light with Daylight bulbs
Q
Comments (0)
In searching for direct-wire undercabinet fluorescent lighting, I was directed to these, and they seem to fit the bill: http://www.pegasusassociates.com/UCthininch.html I see that there are daylight (6400K) bulbs available to purchase for them, which I would prefer, but they come with cool white bulbs. Is anyone aware of a retailer who sells similar fixtures empty or gives the option of ordering the daylight bulbs instead? I've been looking around but haven't found anything like this. I could just order the daylights, I suppose, but then I'd have four cool white bulbs sitting around that I'd never use.
...See More
Fluorescent light bulb burning out
Q
Comments (3)
Assuming that your tubes are the bi-pin style, it is possible to install the tube with only one pin inside the the lamp holder. The tube will usually appear to work properly but will rapidly darken on the end with the misplaced pin. Failing within a week suggests that the tube was faulty when manufactured. If the other tube has lasted longer, put it in the slot where the one has failed and put a new one in the slot where quick failure has not occurred.
...See More
pkguy
23 years ago
There are numerous sizes and shapes available now in compact flurescent bulbs, some are long and tube like, and some are spirals in two sizes. There are also some that have a covering over the tubes to be more like a regular lightbulb shape. You really have to shop around, but I've seen plenty of packs selling 4 for $15-20
ceilingfanrepair
20 years ago
My local hardware store has a sale on them every spring for $1 a piece. I buy several every year and stock up, and then give them away!
steve_o
20 years ago
Be aware that, like regular fluorescent tubes, compact fluorescents vary greatly in quality, light output, and light quality ("cool white," "warm white," "full-spectrum"). Of course, the more expensive ones typically offer the longest life and the best-quality light.
cynic
20 years ago
I was apprehensive about using them in my ceiling fan but I got them cheap enough that it was worth a try. Plus I used the light so much that the savings should offset the cost of replacement. And I was replacing incandescents in it anyway so part of the cost is offset. Since replacing (however many years ago) I haven't had to replace one bulb. 52 watts now vs 240-300 watts before. The savings add up on this application. Yes they look different in the fixture, but I don't find the look objectionable at all. I think they look better than a boring regular bulb. Plus I don't look at them when they're on anyway.

I even put them in the enclosed fixtures. They run cooler than incandescents so I figure if the others were OK, these should be. Although most now are made for enclosed fixtures anyway.
dadoes
20 years ago
I can't use CFs in my remote-control ceiling fans, they flicker horribly.

Related Stories

HOUSEPLANTS Meet a Palm That's Fine With Fluorescent Light

By creative jewish mom.com

Get the look of the tropics without the full-on sun and high humidity — parlor palm tolerates regular indoor conditions with aplomb

DECORATING GUIDES Lose It: How to Get Rid of Old Light Bulbs

By Vanessa Brunner

When the light goes out, you'll want to get rid of the bulb safely. Here's how

HOME TECH Here's a Bright Idea: Smart Bulbs for Better Lighting

Lightbulbs that can change brightness and color with a cell phone command show flashes of design brilliance

LIGHTING What to Know About Switching to LED Lightbulbs

By Karen Egly-Thompson

If you’ve been thinking about changing over to LEDs but aren't sure how to do it and which to buy, this story is for you

LIGHTING Guest Picks: Exposed Bulb Lighting

Celebrate the filament bulb with 20 stylish lighting options

LIGHTING Antique Chic: Edison Bulbs

Industrial-Style Filament Bulbs Reinvent Lighting (Again)

GARDENING GUIDES 6 Unsung Bulbs for Fall Planting

By LuAnn Brandsen

Don't hang up your spade after summer — plant these unusual bulbs in fall for a spectacular spring show

FALL GARDENING 6 Splendid Blue-Flowering Bulbs

By Therese Ciesinski

How do you blue? With colors from sky to cobalt, these bulbs will greet you merrily in a spring garden

FALL GARDENING 7 Delightfully Different Bulbs for Your Spring Garden

By Matt Kilburn

Fall planting: Stray from the standards for a more exotic spring garden that draws applause

ARCHITECTURE What You Must Know About the Sun and Your Home

By Duo Dickinson, architect

Learn about the powerful effects of sunlight on house materials and more, and see 7 homes that address the sun's rays beautifully

Sponsored

Whisler Home Improvement

9 Reviews

Franklin County's Committed Home Improvement Professionals