Thanks for writing this post.....the more I read on fluorescent, the more convinced I am that my builders should install these at closing..........(and I will use them at home and work)

We converted our bulbs to fluorescent where we could and it paid for itself in just over 3 months.  Wow, it was great.  And, so far we've not replaced a single bulb.

I am a little unsure of the lighting this gives in a home.  I will pay more attention to this as I'm out, cause this sounds very good.

Jim and Maria: It says don't use these types of bulbs for exterior uses or in extreme cold on the packages. So I tried both and installed one over our backdoor here in Iowa where it goes well below zero. It lasted three years!

It is greatest thing ever, I have replaced all of mine and could not believe difference on the electric bill. One year later I have not had to replace a single one.

The initial sticker shock of the cost of these bulbs would make most people balk at using them. But seeing the actual usage costs and how much savings these bulbs provide makes the initial investment a no-brainer. Thanks for sharing this info.

If they could just make them so that the color of the light wasn't so ugly...  I have them in some of the fixtures, but where I want better color, of have a dimmer I have to run halogen.  I do run daylight balanced fluorescents in some fixtures as well.

Julie:  That's a great point!  It would be great if builders would go ahead and install these bulbs in their new homes. 

June: We did the same last year, and we still haven't had one go out!  It's amazing how long these bulbs last!

These bulbs come in all shapes and sizes now.  They make outdoor rated ones. They make full spectrum ones.  They make ones that work on dimmers.  Now what is holding you back?

For the same wattage they provide way more light.  They do take a little bit longer to come up to full brightness (I am sure someone is working hard on that).  They cost a little bit more initially but easily pay for themselves over a short period of time.  Add to this that incandescents are being phased out by 2010---we better all get on the bandwagon:)

Bob: I personally think that fluorescent bulbs are a lot brighter than regular light bulbs.  We have a 6-light chandelier over our dining room table, and after replacing the bulbs, we actually unscrewed a couple of them because it was too bright!

Matt: That's great news!  I guess it was just a precaution on their part, but 3 years is terrific!

Sonja: I couldn't agree with you more! 

Jim: You're very welcome!  I hope you save lots of money when you make the switch.

Lane: I've heard that from a few people.  I'm sure that a fix is in the works.

Charles: Thanks for the addition.  I didn't know that incandescents were going to be phased out, but that's really not such a bad thing.

Jim and Maria, here is a link to a blog I did a while back on CFLs:  http://activerain.com/blogsview/386031/Do-you-have-regular

Charles: Good information there.  The more we know, the better decisions we can make.

I buy them a lot less expensively than that at Costco, so they make real sense for me.  Also they last so long.  I hate changing bulbs.

You make a very good point... I've been going this route for some time now and there's no going back.

Randy: We actually buy them at Costco too -- we love that place! 

Chuck: Great job!  I hope a lot more people get on board!  And there really is no going back after switching.

Jim and Maria:  This really is a great idea.  WE have switched over almost all of our inside bulbs, now we just need to switch over out outside bulbs.  Also, thanks for reading my post yesterday about the funny cleaning "tip"  Also, you live ine one of my most favorite places in the whole world....If I could live there, I would!

Vickie: Great job!  We still have a few bulbs to switch out outside as well, but it's on the list to do.

Jim and Maria, great post.  Good information.

Have a great week!

Thanks Richard!  You too!