Energy Saving Light Bulbs

Bulbboy

tessa777 wrote:

I bought energy saving bulbs a few years ago when they were relatively new. They gave a cold dreary light which made me feel ill. I haven't bought any since but would like to save energy. Can anyone tell me what the quality of the light is now? No-one seems to mention it. Thanks

Read this article on wikipedia about electrosensitivity.

Different sufferers report different levels of susceptibility to electric fields, magnetic fields and various frequencies of electromagnetic waves (including fluorescent and low-energy lights, and microwaves from mobile and cordless/portable phones). (Philips 2003).

You might be more sensitive to low energy lamps?
In that case it's not really worth saving the extra cash if your health is at risk.

mayb_2

I hadn't thought of the risks to health - someone recently gave me a gadget to deal with electromagnetic waves and things - don't understand the technology but it is supposed to put the correct balance on negative and positive ions?? does that make sense? The thing is I apparently live near a lay line and if you use a compass in my house it moves about depending on which room you are in and doesn't always register true north!!!

Probably something similar to people living near overhead pylons or other arials reported to cause problems. Anyway does running this negate the possible savings on the bulbs - as it wasn't my idea I think I may be tempted to unplug the strange device although the air in my bedroom (where this thing is) does feel very fresh now and I do sleep well.

Bulbboy

Compact fluorescents are great in their place, but I hear too many people say "they're rubbish." People expecting the same amount of light from them are usually disappointed.
Look at the back of a CD under a regular incandescent, and see how the spectrum of colour looks.
Now look at the back of a CD under Fluorescent light and the colours are split up into definite 'bands' rather than blending into one another. The light from energy bulbs usually appears far more 'artificial', I don't know if this accounts for the electrosensitivity bit but is interesting all the same.

mayb wrote:

Probably something similar to people living near overhead pylons or other arials reported to cause problems. Anyway does running this negate the possible savings on the bulbs - as it wasn't my idea I think I may be tempted to unplug the strange device although the air in my bedroom (where this thing is) does feel very fresh now and I do sleep well.

Just Buy Online.co.uk sell this fresh light bulb which is supposed to be an ioniser and bulb in one. I don't know how it works or which bit is the ioniser but it may help the air in your bedroom too.

georgemcghie

Can anyone tell me if you can get ones which can be used in an outside light which is enclosed. ie its got a cover. Saw them in ASDA the other week but it say on packet not to be used in enclosed fittings

GMcG

Bulbboy

I read somewhere that it's better to use the globe versions, rather than the
squiggly tube type. The globe types have the linear types inside of them but
the extra shell of glass affords another layer of protection against moisture.
Just make sure that your light fitting is weather proof.

georgemcghie

Thanks Bulbboy - I'll have a look for that type

Cheers
George

DrFluffy

Ask your local council. Ours give them away free as part of their tick box exercise in becoming greener...

BexTech

esthomizzy wrote:

Hi Everyone

Are you guys using these bulbs happy with the amount of light they give out? I remember my parents using energy saving bulbs in the past and it was barely possible to see? I tried to talk my boyfriend into trying them again recently on the basis that they'd probably improved the design with the modern ones. But he's not convinced. What can I give him to talk him into it?

Esthomizzy

We're happy with the light from these bulbs, been using them for 10 years now, the one we have on in our living room is only 8 Watt and that is fine for us, we don't need or want too bright a lighting.

mayb_2

Well lets face it most of us look better in a dim light!

Is it safe to use a higher 'wattage' energy bulb than the normal one recommended, because I must admit I do find most of them a bit too dim for comfort - especially for reading etc.

oap

Hi, Tried to order 10 from John Lewis on the net, out of stock, so sent an e mail to see when would be in, they replied saying I could order from the shop, by phone, so did so and they are on their way, regards oap