Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

[FromTexas]

Okay. This is my idiot question of the day. Energy Star ranks these bulbs as efficient and should be used. I can get that no problem (its why I looked them up). They cost more but use 1/4 the energy for the same illumination and last ten times longer (7-10 years at 3 hours of usage a day). My assumption is you can put these in any normal fixture or light socket and you are good to go. They work like other bulbs, right?

So, if my conclusion is right then why does the energy star site list Energy Star efficient light fixtures? I don't also need a specific fixture to use these bulbs, do I? Then it isn't worth it. Nothing I read seems to indicate this to be true but nothing about the fixtures themselves seems to be extra efficient... if its a 60 watt bulb it will still draw what a 60 watt bulb needs whether its in an energy efficient fixture or not. :shrug:

What am I missing?

 

[gumby]

Okay. This is my idiot question of the day. Energy Star ranks these bulbs as efficient and should be used. I can get that no problem (its why I looked them up). They cost more but use 1/4 the energy for the same illumination and last ten times longer (7-10 years at 3 hours of usage a day). My assumption is you can put these in any normal fixture or light socket and you are good to go. They work like other bulbs, right?

So, if my conclusion is right then why does the energy star site list Energy Star efficient light fixtures? I don't also need a specific fixture to use these bulbs, do I? Then it isn't worth it. Nothing I read seems to indicate this to be true but nothing about the fixtures themselves seems to be extra efficient... if its a 60 watt bulb it will still draw what a 60 watt bulb needs whether its in an energy efficient fixture or not. :shrug:

What am I missing?

No special fixtures necessary. They work in any light. Just don't use them with a dimmer unless you get the ones that are dimmable. The dimmables are EXPENSIVE. You can get compact fluorescents up to 200watts(incandescent light). That would be a 45 watt compact fluorescent. We use thousands at work and they are alright.

 

[wileyCoyote]

I don't know about the energy star fixture part, but those fluorescent light bulbs work in any standard light fixture. A 60 Watt fluorescent light will produce the same amount of visible light as a 60 incandescent bulb but will use less electricity (among other things because it doesn't produce all of the waste heat).

 

[MMDad]

Earning the ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR fixtures must last at least 10,000 hours. This means, with regular use (i.e., four hours per day), you won't need to change the bulb for at least seven years.

ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures distribute the light more efficiently and evenly than standard fixtures.

ENERGY STAR fixtures can now be found at most home centers, lighting showrooms, and specialty stores. Look for qualified fixtures for the following applications: torchieres, under and over cabinets in the kitchen, ceiling-mounted, wall sconces, suspended fixtures and outdoor lighting, including motion sensor fixtures.

Typical halogen torchiere floor lamps can burn dangerously hot – up to 1,100ºF. That's hot enough to cook an egg! ENERGY STAR qualified torchiere lamps use bulbs that are cool to the touch. What's the Difference?

All ENERGY STAR qualified light fixtures carry a two year warranty - double the industry standard.

 

[FromTexas]

No special fixtures necessary. They work in any light. Just don't use them with a dimmer unless you get the ones that are dimmable. The dimmables are EXPENSIVE. You can get compact fluorescents up to 200watts(incandescent light). That would be a 45 watt compact fluorescent. We use thousands at work and they are alright.

I am thinking of making all the bulbs in our new house CFs. One up front cost that is larger (5-7 times that of a normal bulb), but then my electric bill will be lower and I shouldn't need to replace any of them for a few years.

 

[FromTexas]

Earning the ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR fixtures must last at least 10,000 hours. This means, with regular use (i.e., four hours per day), you won't need to change the bulb for at least seven years.

ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures distribute the light more efficiently and evenly than standard fixtures.

ENERGY STAR fixtures can now be found at most home centers, lighting showrooms, and specialty stores. Look for qualified fixtures for the following applications: torchieres, under and over cabinets in the kitchen, ceiling-mounted, wall sconces, suspended fixtures and outdoor lighting, including motion sensor fixtures.

Typical halogen torchiere floor lamps can burn dangerously hot – up to 1,100ºF. That's hot enough to cook an egg! ENERGY STAR qualified torchiere lamps use bulbs that are cool to the touch. What's the Difference?

All ENERGY STAR qualified light fixtures carry a two year warranty - double the industry standard.

I read that, but all that looks like to me (except for the distribution of light) is the same as using a CF. So, why do the fixture?

 

[2ndAmendment]

We use them, but they don't seem to last as long as advertised. Also, at least some of them "warm up". Start dimmer and get brighter over about 5 minutes after you turn them on.

 

[FromTexas]

I don't know about the energy star fixture part, but those fluorescent light bulbs work in any standard light fixture. A 60 Watt fluorescent light will produce the same amount of visible light as a 60 incandescent bulb but will use less electricity (among other things because it doesn't produce all of the waste heat).

Actually, a 15 watt CF will produce the same light as a 60 watt incadescent. 1 for 4. That is the energy savings part. 1/4 the energy for all your lighting. It actually is about 66% less energy since 1/4 the watts is really 1/4 the energy, though.

 

[Mikeinsmd]

The fixtures may be designed in such a way that they emit more lumens per watt with a less wattage lamp and/or may dissapate heat more efficiently and lastly, if recessed, may seal the ceiling as to prevent air passage meeting certain "green" building requirements.

 

[FromTexas]

The fixtures may be designed in such a way that they emit more lumens per watt with a less wattage amp and/or may dissapate heat more efficiently and lastly, if recessed, may seal the ceiling as to prevent air passage meeting certain "green" building requirements.

That makes sense.

 

[MMDad]

I am thinking of making all the bulbs in our new house CFs. One up front cost that is larger (5-7 times that of a normal bulb), but then my electric bill will be lower and I shouldn't need to replace any of them for a few years.

Smart move. If everyone did this, energy usage in would drop, which would slow the price increases. I use only CF whenever I can.

We were replacing the bulb over our stove about every two months. I put in a CF three years ago and haven't replaced it yet.

They are a bit dim in some applications, so in the kitchen, instead of turning on one fixture using 150W, I turn on two fixtures using 92W total.

 

[MMDad]

I read that, but all that looks like to me (except for the distribution of light) is the same as using a CF. So, why do the fixture?

Reflectivity of the back surface. In a standard fixture, they don't care much about reflectivity. In an Energy Star, the surface is more reflective, therefore better light radiation.

If you saw two fixtures that you liked, same price, you would get a better deal from the Energy Star. I wouldn't pay any more for it because the energy savings aren't that great.

 

[gumby]

The fixtures may be designed in such a way that they emit more lumens per watt with a less wattage lamp and/or may dissapate heat more efficiently and lastly, if recessed, may seal the ceiling as to prevent air passage meeting certain "green" building requirements.

Keep an eye on the color too. A 2700 Kelvin CF is closer to the look of an incandescent, while the 4100 kelvins give more of a white light.

 

[willie]

On a very hard to access outdoor lamp, a CF is the only way to go. Mine have actually lasted 8 years dusk to dawn. Be sure to get one that is rated for low temperatures. The fluorescents in our detached garage are sometimes a PIA to get going in cold weather.

 

[FromTexas]

While I am discussing preparing the new house to be energy efficient as it is finished, lets take a look at ceiling fans. They have some rated for Energy Star, but I am also aware that many brands don't put all their models in for the process to get rated. The selection is limited on the Energy Star site.

Anyone looked into this issue? I know ceiling fans can be one of the bigger power drains. What I am after is what sort of ratings should I look for at power consumption? I also don't quite get the efficiency rating on the ceiling fans... can someone translate that?

Washer/Dryer I have covered. I will be going for the He3 or Oasis HE on those. I think that will be one of my biggest eco/energy friendly items (up to 66% less water and 42% less energy).

 

[willie]

While tracing a mystery power leak in my home, the ceiling fans showed very little drain.

 

[Mikeinsmd]

While I am discussing preparing the new house to be energy efficient as it is finished, lets take a look at ceiling fans. They have some rated for Energy Star, but I am also aware that many brands don't put all their models in for the process to get rated. The selection is limited on the Energy Star site.

Anyone looked into this issue? I know ceiling fans can be one of the bigger power drains. What I am after is what sort of ratings should I look for at power consumption? I also don't quite get the efficiency rating on the ceiling fans... can someone translate that?

I can't offer a lot here FT. I don't know how they rate fans either. There are so many variables at play such as how many blades, what diameter, mounting options etc.....

A paddle fan is simply an electric motor. The more blades & larger diameter, the larger motor the fan will have. Todays electric motors are all quite efficient. These are fractional horsepower motors and won't draw much but if you leave them on for long periods, they will of course increase the electric bill.

When choosing the fan, look at your room size and ceiling height. Of course, large rooms need larger fans. Will you mount the fan tight to the ceiling or hang it on a pendant? If you have cathedral ceilings, buy a variable speed fan and either get a remote or have the wall controller installed.

 

[willie]

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[Mikeinsmd]

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I think I like it!

 

[FromTexas]

Okay. That actually answered my question, Mike (the part about all the motor being pretty efficient) and also Willie checking out his fan. At lot of the efficiency ratings on the fans I was looking at that weren't Energy Star seemed to be right in line w/ the Energy Star ones. So, change the bulbs to CFs as long as they are open to the air and not sealed and I am golden.