CFLs … Going the Way of Audio CDs?

Ever since 1995 when Compact Fluorescent Lighting (CFLs) first came to the consumer marketplace, many of us have had a love / hate relationship with these strange bulbs that resemble a pig’s tail.  For sure, they are more energy efficient than their incandescent older siblings but it took some time to get used to some of the quirks in the technology.  CFLs take several seconds to reach maximum brightness when turned on.  In very cold locations, like barns and garages, cold winter temperatures exacerbate this delay. 

Many find the light output very harsh.  Some of the early bulbs could not be dimmed and the color temperature was toward the blue side rather than the red softer glow of the traditional incandescent lights.  Also, there remains the disposal issue. CFL lamps require small amounts of mercury to operate.

The newest kid on the block is the LED lamp (Light Emitting Diode.)  These LED lamps are extremely efficient, have tremendous service life, and come in various color temperatures.  Even better, they continue to come down in price.  They can even help save on cooling in the summer months as they give off very little heat.

About the only real downside is the availability of very bright bulbs.  I am sure that this will soon be addressed, but I have yet to find a 200 watt equivalent for the main light in my kitchen.

Just last week, General Electric announced that they are phasing out the manufacture and sale of CFLs and concentrating on LED technology.  For GE, one of the world’s largest companies, to make this move should provide a real boost to the advancement of LED technology and continue to force prices down.  It also might mean the end of CFLs.

Many of us who are customers of Duke Energy have a way to buy LEDs very inexpensively.  Recently the company sent an email to customers offering very deep discounts on the purchase of various types of LED lamps.  If you have not taken advantageof this offer, you may wish to check it out.    There you will find many special sizes.  They even have some lamps for candelabra chandeliers.

There has never been a better time to replace the lamps in your house with LED technology.  It will pay for itself in a short time.