Low Energy Light Bulbs..

[masma]

Leave them on in the evening or keep turning them off and on again. How would it work out price wise please?

[stewey]

Definitely turn them off before you go to bed. However, keep in mind that these bulbs do not "like" to be switched on and off quickly. They should be left on for at least 10 minutes before turning them off. Something to do with the ballast warming up.

[tonyav]

Yes it takes a few minutes for them to reach there brightest, masma.

[stewey]

Not only that, tonyav, but flipping them on and off quickly all the time drastically reduces their life-span.

[tonyav]

Yes I know, stewey. Good advice for masma.

[stewey]

Cheers, I'm about to wander across the field:)

[tonyav]

Have a jug for me then please, stewey ;-)

[tali1]

i kept switching my bargain lidl kitchen light off.Bulbs supposed to last 10ys or 5 with intensive use .I got about 2 yrs use.
And they are £10 each !!!
Thanks Lidl....

[masma]

Thanks all, how about electricity costs? We're told that it's cheaper to leave a flourescent tube on rather than on and off, what about these light bulbs?
Stewey - I've got new wellies shall I wander across the field with you ;-)

[gingejbee]

given that they are low consumption anyway, there won't be much difference. Anything saved will be offset by the shorter life because of all the on/off cycles.

[gingejbee]

...we are talking "pennies" here...!

[Zacs-Master]

A low energy lamp is essentially a small fluorescent. They use about 75% of their energy starting up ( obviously this varies as to how long the are left on for). So switching them on and of is a waste of energy and money.

[masma]

Thank you so much everyone.. t'was to settle a squabble between my men folk.

[beso]

Your country must be a bit behind. Fluorescent lamps are old technology.

In Australia low energy lighting means LED bulbs. They don't care about being turned off and on. The good ones are dimmable and they are way more efficient than a CFL.

[beso]

Zacs-Master //A low energy lamp is essentially a small fluorescent. They use about 75% of their energy starting up ( obviously this varies as to how long the are left on for). So switching them on and of is a waste of energy and money.//

That is an extremely prevalent myth. Turn them off.

[stewey]

Another opinion:
"The life of a CFL is significantly shorter if it is turned on and off frequently. In the case of a 5-minute on/off cycle the lifespan of some CFLs may be reduced to that of incandescent light bulbs. The U.S. Energy Star program suggests that fluorescent lamps be left on when leaving a room for less than 15 minutes to mitigate this problem.[19]."

[Sipowicz]

Very illuminating Stewey! ;-)

[Old_Geezer]

LED is a better option but to get the same size for fit, and in 100w or 150w ? And the price, oh the price !

[stewey]

Sipowicz, you have have come in from the darkness and verily seen the light:)