Comments on: The Blog Push for Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs http://www.conversionrater.com/2007/01/05/the-blog-push-for-compact-fluorescent-light-bulbs/ A discussion of ecommerce, online advertising, Web 2.0, web entrepreneurship, and just making the web convert for your goals. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:54:14 -0600 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: James http://www.conversionrater.com/2007/01/05/the-blog-push-for-compact-fluorescent-light-bulbs/comment-page-1/#comment-356265 James Tue, 29 Sep 2009 07:07:58 +0000 http://www.conversionrater.com/index.php/2007/01/05/the-blog-push-for-compact-fluorescent-light-bulbs/#comment-356265 Energy efficient light bulbs are the easiest first step consumers and businesses can take towards reducing their energy consumption. Products have gotten light years better in the past few years and, in my eyes, indisputably better for 99% of applications. Both <a href="http://www.superiorlighting.com" rel="nofollow">CFL and LED light bulbs</a> run much cooler than incandescent bulbs, use energy much more efficiently, and do offer saving on your electricity bill. I am a vendor of energy efficient bulbs, so perhaps I am a bit biased, but I don't know why everyone doesn't switch today. Energy efficient light bulbs are the easiest first step consumers and businesses can take towards reducing their energy consumption. Products have gotten light years better in the past few years and, in my eyes, indisputably better for 99% of applications. Both CFL and LED light bulbs run much cooler than incandescent bulbs, use energy much more efficiently, and do offer saving on your electricity bill. I am a vendor of energy efficient bulbs, so perhaps I am a bit biased, but I don’t know why everyone doesn’t switch today.

]]> By: BradPit http://www.conversionrater.com/2007/01/05/the-blog-push-for-compact-fluorescent-light-bulbs/comment-page-1/#comment-351609 BradPit Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:44:18 +0000 http://www.conversionrater.com/index.php/2007/01/05/the-blog-push-for-compact-fluorescent-light-bulbs/#comment-351609 As i know its best to opt LED or Standard light bulbs rather than going with Fluorescent Light Bulbs to save power.So i hope this will do. As i know its best to opt LED or Standard light bulbs rather than going with Fluorescent Light Bulbs to save power.So i hope this will do.

]]> By: Superior Lighting http://www.conversionrater.com/2007/01/05/the-blog-push-for-compact-fluorescent-light-bulbs/comment-page-1/#comment-348828 Superior Lighting Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:25:55 +0000 http://www.conversionrater.com/index.php/2007/01/05/the-blog-push-for-compact-fluorescent-light-bulbs/#comment-348828 I help manage a hotel, so we are always looking for <a href="http://www.superiorlighting.com" rel="nofollow">good light bulb wholesalers</a> for our hotel and restaurants. We only use energy star rated bulbs that minimize the environmental impact. I help manage a hotel, so we are always looking for good light bulb wholesalers for our hotel and

restaurants. We only use energy star rated bulbs that minimize the environmental impact.

]]> By: Superior Lighting http://www.conversionrater.com/2007/01/05/the-blog-push-for-compact-fluorescent-light-bulbs/comment-page-1/#comment-342637 Superior Lighting Thu, 28 May 2009 12:24:08 +0000 http://www.conversionrater.com/index.php/2007/01/05/the-blog-push-for-compact-fluorescent-light-bulbs/#comment-342637 Very interesting. As a company, we at Superior Lighting are always looking for new ways to become more eco friendly. We offer energy efficient light bulbs and lighting solutions and work with vendors on sound packaging methods.  What else can we do? Thanks, Very interesting. As a company, we at Superior Lighting are always looking for new ways to become more eco friendly. We offer energy efficient light bulbs and lighting solutions and work with vendors on sound packaging methods.  What else can we do?

Thanks,

]]> By: erik http://www.conversionrater.com/2007/01/05/the-blog-push-for-compact-fluorescent-light-bulbs/comment-page-1/#comment-302482 erik Sun, 21 Sep 2008 02:05:18 +0000 http://www.conversionrater.com/index.php/2007/01/05/the-blog-push-for-compact-fluorescent-light-bulbs/#comment-302482 Can compact florescent bulbs be used with a dimmer Can compact florescent bulbs be used with a dimmer

]]> By: Gary http://www.conversionrater.com/2007/01/05/the-blog-push-for-compact-fluorescent-light-bulbs/comment-page-1/#comment-293544 Gary Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:03:51 +0000 http://www.conversionrater.com/index.php/2007/01/05/the-blog-push-for-compact-fluorescent-light-bulbs/#comment-293544 One thing that is often not covered in articles is their so-called longevity. The news media, pushing these things, will use the statement of the manufacturers that they will last 7 - 11 years... to this I say BUNK! They are NOT very reliable! I have lost more than a dozen CFB's in the last three years. I am now keeping track of the so-called warranty (7 - 11 years depending on brand) - something one should not have to do on something that is so low cost (~$4/bulb) but you're forced to as they are so very much more expensive than standard bulbs and they fail frequently. The last one I had fail was yesterday. The power went out in a storm four times for about 5 seconds each time - the bulb was on - it now does not work. I think the public needs to be informed that these things are NOT as reliable as they're made out to be!!!! EVERYONE seems to promote "cost savings" and "they last so long" when the reality seems quite different from this. The whole justification tends to go away unless you exercise the warranty. One thing that is often not covered in articles is their so-called longevity. The news media, pushing these things, will use the statement of the manufacturers that they will last 7 – 11 years… to this I say BUNK! They are NOT very reliable! I have lost more than a dozen CFB’s in the last three years. I am now keeping track of the so-called warranty (7 – 11 years depending on brand) – something one should not have to do on something that is so low cost (~$4/bulb) but you’re forced to as they are so very much more expensive than standard bulbs and they fail frequently. The last one I had fail was yesterday. The power went out in a storm four times for about 5 seconds each time – the bulb was on – it now does not work. I think the public needs to be informed that these things are NOT as reliable as they’re made out to be! EVERYONE seems to promote “cost savings” and “they last so long” when the reality seems quite different from this. The whole justification tends to go away unless you exercise the warranty.

]]> By: bradbury http://www.conversionrater.com/2007/01/05/the-blog-push-for-compact-fluorescent-light-bulbs/comment-page-1/#comment-288983 bradbury Mon, 23 Jun 2008 04:44:42 +0000 http://www.conversionrater.com/index.php/2007/01/05/the-blog-push-for-compact-fluorescent-light-bulbs/#comment-288983 CFL's are NOT green, but another environmental hazard. Besides their mercury content they emit both RF and UV radiation which are associated with adverse health effects. See bioinitiative.org and google info about "dirty electricity." Dimmers contirbute to dirty electricity. CFL's do not contain diffusers to mitigate the UV. CFL’s are NOT green, but another environmental hazard. Besides their mercury content they emit both RF and UV radiation which are associated with adverse health effects. See bioinitiative.org and google info about “dirty electricity.” Dimmers contirbute to dirty electricity. CFL’s do not contain diffusers to mitigate the UV.

]]> By: Jack M. http://www.conversionrater.com/2007/01/05/the-blog-push-for-compact-fluorescent-light-bulbs/comment-page-1/#comment-230310 Jack M. Fri, 08 Feb 2008 20:24:37 +0000 http://www.conversionrater.com/index.php/2007/01/05/the-blog-push-for-compact-fluorescent-light-bulbs/#comment-230310 T. G., I am going to have to disagree with you. There are CFLs that will dim. You are correct when you say that crop of 'dimmable' CFLs on the market are less than compatible with available dimmers. The lighting controls companies that you mention (Lutron, etc.) have a vested interest in not catering to the needs of the CFL market and their disinterest in advancing their own technology is hurting the consumer, limiting the consumer's options when it comes to lightbulb choice. The 'big three' lighting companies (GE, Sylvania, and Phillips) are just as guilty. The margins on Incandescent bulbs are much higher than those on CFLs, and in the interests of corporate profits these companies are slow to innovate beyond the bare minimum mandated by governments and the media. The myriad consumer complaints about CFLs (light color, start-up time, dimmability, etc.) all stem from these companies’ unwillingness to really invest in technology that in helping preserve global energy resources may negatively impact their bottom line. To my main point: There are companies who are working to change this paradigm, who have created and are working to create technologies that meet consumer needs. There are the TCPs of the world who make 1.4 million CFLs a day and are leading the way toward CFL adoption. There are also small companies, like a company called PureSpectrum, who have invented CFL dimmers and fully dimmable CFLs. People are making dimmable CFLs that work, you just have to look for them. see www.purespectrumlighting.com for their press releases on dimmable CFLs T. G., I am going to have to disagree with you. There are CFLs that will dim.

You are correct when you say that crop of ‘dimmable’ CFLs on the market are less than compatible with available dimmers. The lighting controls companies that you mention (Lutron, etc.) have a vested interest in not catering to the needs of the CFL market and their disinterest in advancing their own technology is hurting the consumer, limiting the consumer’s options when it comes to lightbulb choice. The ‘big three’ lighting companies (GE, Sylvania, and Phillips) are just as guilty. The margins on Incandescent bulbs are much higher than those on CFLs, and in the interests of corporate profits these companies are slow to innovate beyond the bare minimum mandated by governments and the media. The myriad consumer complaints about CFLs (light color, start-up time, dimmability, etc.) all stem from these companies’ unwillingness to really invest in technology that in helping preserve global energy resources may negatively impact their bottom line.

To my main point: There are companies who are working to change this paradigm, who have created and are working to create technologies that meet consumer needs. There are the TCPs of the world who make 1.4 million CFLs a day and are leading the way toward CFL adoption. There are also small companies, like a company called PureSpectrum, who have invented CFL dimmers and fully dimmable CFLs. People are making dimmable CFLs that work, you just have to look for them.

see http://www.purespectrumlighting.com for their press releases on dimmable CFLs

]]> By: Jason Petty http://www.conversionrater.com/2007/01/05/the-blog-push-for-compact-fluorescent-light-bulbs/comment-page-1/#comment-218176 Jason Petty Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:38:02 +0000 http://www.conversionrater.com/index.php/2007/01/05/the-blog-push-for-compact-fluorescent-light-bulbs/#comment-218176 SOSLightBulbs.com recently got this press release concerning mercury content in CFL's. We thought this could be of interest to your readers. ---------------------------------- Use even less mercury with MaxLite’sâ„¢ low mercury compact fluorescent lamps. Reinforcing its goal of producing the lowest mercury CFLs, MaxLiteâ„¢ was one of the first in the industry to participate in the National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association’s (NEMA) initiative, “Voluntary Commitment on Mercury in CFLs.” Participants in the program pledge to limit the mercury content of their self-ballasted CFLs (residential use only) with less than 25 watts to 5 mg. and those with 25-40 watts to 6 mg. per bulb. MaxLiteâ„¢ CFLs utilize only 1.2 to 2.5mg of mercury per lamp; half the amount present on the tip of a ball point pen, as compared to typical CFLS containing 4 mg. of mercury. Always ahead of the curve, MaxLiteâ„¢ has created a unique procedure to control the amount of liquid mercury in its compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). In its burner production, MaxLiteâ„¢ accuracy is achieved by the utilization of a sealed tool akin to a medical injection tube. This permits defined quantities of liquid mercury to enter it each time the fluid is drawn. Then the identical amount of liquid mercury is infused into the burner. One amalgam dice is placed into the mercury control of the amalgam lamps. The amount of mercury is also fixed as the amalgam dice’s weight is controlled by amalgam manufacturers. The low mercury quantity is the least amount MaxLiteâ„¢ deems feasible for a compact fluorescent lamp to maintain a long and productive life. SOSLightBulbs.com recently got this press release concerning mercury content in CFL’s. We thought this could be of interest to your readers.
—————————————————
Use even less mercury with MaxLite’s™ low mercury compact fluorescent lamps. Reinforcing its goal of producing the lowest mercury CFLs, MaxLite™ was one of the first in the industry to participate in the National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association’s (NEMA) initiative, “Voluntary Commitment on Mercury in CFLs.” Participants in the program pledge to limit the mercury content of their self-ballasted CFLs (residential use only) with less than 25 watts to 5 mg. and those with 25-40 watts to 6 mg. per bulb. MaxLite™ CFLs utilize only 1.2 to 2.5mg of mercury per lamp; half the amount present on the tip of a ball point pen, as compared to typical CFLS containing 4 mg. of mercury.

Always ahead of the curve, MaxLite™ has created a unique procedure to control the amount of liquid mercury in its compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). In its burner production, MaxLite™ accuracy is achieved by the utilization of a sealed tool akin to a medical injection tube. This permits defined quantities of liquid mercury to enter it each time the fluid is drawn. Then the identical amount of liquid mercury is infused into the burner. One amalgam dice is placed into the mercury control of the amalgam lamps. The amount of mercury is also fixed as the amalgam dice’s weight is controlled by amalgam manufacturers.

The low mercury quantity is the least amount MaxLiteâ„¢ deems feasible for a compact fluorescent lamp to maintain a long and productive life.

]]> By: Tastes Good http://www.conversionrater.com/2007/01/05/the-blog-push-for-compact-fluorescent-light-bulbs/comment-page-1/#comment-210180 Tastes Good Thu, 03 Jan 2008 17:38:59 +0000 http://www.conversionrater.com/index.php/2007/01/05/the-blog-push-for-compact-fluorescent-light-bulbs/#comment-210180 I do think CFLs are great for table lamps and closets, but who wants to feel like their in an office building when they get home? Dimmers are a great way of saving energy! There is alot of dimming info on the web (check lutron.com/energy) and not only do you get engery and CO2 savings, but you get the option of setting the light level as you desire. CFLs can not be dimmed, even though some claim they can. The problem is the way dimmers work. In simple terms, dimmers shut your lights on and off around 120 times a second. What we preceive as dimming is actually the dimmer keeping your lights off longer in that on-off cycle. The dimmer the lights, the longer your lights are off, the more electricity you save, and the longer your bulb lasts ( potentially greater than 20x its normal switched life) The problem with CFLs is that the balast inside the bulb is also controling when the lamp is fired (using electricity) and that will always conflict with dimmers. One CFL manufacturer actually said they can be dimmed using a reastat dimmer. These things have been unavailable since the 70s when solid state dimming was coming of age (again check lutron who invented solid state dimming). Ok, so no dimming them. Another problem is installing these bulbs in down fixtures. The heat generated by the bulb with rise through the base where the ballast is located and shorten the life of that bulb significantly. Having to replace a CFL every 6-10 months is not a great way to cut your lighting costs. So now we have to replace all our downward facing fixtures with flourescent fixtures with externally mounted balasts. Should i keep going? Ok so you know that painting or picture we have lit with the sweet looking track fixture? well now we have use flourescent lamps... how do we aim the beam of light on the picture? You can't (yet)! flourescent lights distribute light throughout the whole survace of the lamp. They can't focus light like incandescent or some LED lamps can. I could go on and on but i will stop it here. There simply is not enough research being done by these law-makers to justify the termination of incandescent lamps. I am 100% for cutting green house gases and lighting is a huge component of that, but i am also expecting these law-makers to do their homework before jumping to a quick solution! I do think CFLs are great for table lamps and closets, but who wants to feel like their in an office building when they get home?

Dimmers are a great way of saving energy! There is alot of dimming info on the web (check lutron.com/energy) and not only do you get engery and CO2 savings, but you get the option of setting the light level as you desire. CFLs can not be dimmed, even though some claim they can. The problem is the way dimmers work. In simple terms, dimmers shut your lights on and off around 120 times a second. What we preceive as dimming is actually the dimmer keeping your lights off longer in that on-off cycle. The dimmer the lights, the longer your lights are off, the more electricity you save, and the longer your bulb lasts ( potentially greater than 20x its normal switched life) The problem with CFLs is that the balast inside the bulb is also controling when the lamp is fired (using electricity) and that will always conflict with dimmers. One CFL manufacturer actually said they can be dimmed using a reastat dimmer. These things have been unavailable since the 70s when solid state dimming was coming of age (again check lutron who invented solid state dimming).

Ok, so no dimming them. Another problem is installing these bulbs in down fixtures. The heat generated by the bulb with rise through the base where the ballast is located and shorten the life of that bulb significantly. Having to replace a CFL every 6-10 months is not a great way to cut your lighting costs. So now we have to replace all our downward facing fixtures with flourescent fixtures with externally mounted balasts. Should i keep going?

Ok so you know that painting or picture we have lit with the sweet looking track fixture? well now we have use flourescent lamps… how do we aim the beam of light on the picture? You can’t (yet)! flourescent lights distribute light throughout the whole survace of the lamp. They can’t focus light like incandescent or some LED lamps can. I could go on and on but i will stop it here.

There simply is not enough research being done by these law-makers to justify the termination of incandescent lamps. I am 100% for cutting green house gases and lighting is a huge component of that, but i am also expecting these law-makers to do their homework before jumping to a quick solution!

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