ENERGY SAVING LIGHT BULBS - How long does yours last?

Question

I am very disgruntled. The manufacturers of energy savers have stuck 5 year guarantees on them (7 years on the latest ones I've purchased) and I don't think that they last for more than 3 years. Has anyone had similar experiences? Also, has anyone ever taken one back?? OH YEAH - LIKE WE ALL KEEP THE BLOOMIN' RECIEPT DON'T WE?

Okay, price 3 years ago was around £4.99 each.

Now, price is 99p each.

But they do not last as long as they say, or I'll eat YOUR hat!

Answer 1

haha. What a coincidence you asked this question. I bought my first one today. I quite like it, but only time will tell if I continue to like it

Answer 2

"I have one that has lasted over 12 years( It's one of phillips original glass encased for kithchen or bathroom use), I get mine for free from Eon,and I recomend plenty of my freinds/family to send for them.... ps, the 12 year old bulb still works,even if it is a bit slow to light up,still works well though....

Answer 3

mine is still turning on after having it for a long time

Answer 4

If you read the fine print, they say the estimated service life ( 5 year in your example) is based on an average xyz hours daily usage. Actual life will vary depend on the actual usage.

I don't think many people keep a log of their light bulbs when they are installed. I do notice my CF light last a lot longer than those they replaced.

It's also true that there are quality issues with CF lights. I recall reading a consumer report showing test on differnt brands of CF. Not only the service life may vary, the measured brigtness can also be different (lower) than what the manufacturers claimed in some cases.

My advice is, just like any other consumer products in the market, do your homework before making your selection.

Answer 5

duno hasnt run out yet =]

Answer 6

Hi,i have had one since they first come out & it is still working.

Answer 7

I don't know if you want to view all of this information but, NLPIP(an indep. test lab) did this study on CFL's. Several mfg's with the bulbs in multiple positions. When I looked if over it looks like the ones from GE that stated 10,000 hrs lasted well beyond that. Look it over and see what you think. Around page 70 is where the results are.

Answer 8

They last as long as the headaches they give you from the radiation they give off.

Answer 9

Haven't got any

Answer 10

I don't think one of my energy efficient bulbs has ever expired and I have had some of them about 10 years.

Answer 11

I've been using them for about 6 years and they've lasted an average of 3 years.  I think they've paid for themselves but I don't believe I've really saved much money when you factor in how expensive they are here in the US.  Unfortunately I didn't know until more recently that they are very bad for the landfill and they should be recycled due to the mercury in them.

PS. I've never tried to get my money back on the bulbs that don't last as long as they guarantee.  I keep telling myself next time... but I can't seem to hold on to the paper work not to mention I have quite a few so it's hard to keep track of which bulb goes with which receipt and carton.

Answer 12

Don't know; the oldest one we have hasn't been in use for more than ten years yet. Do try to remember that the estimates of how long CFLs last is based on an average. For every one that lasts longer than average, you will likely find one that lasts a shorter time. In the long run, the savings in electricity and replacement light bulbs will probably pay for the cost of the CFL.

Answer 13

I think we all need to be keeping more detailed records and save the receipts.

Answer 14

I have been buying them for years, Im sure they havent lasted long enough to pay for themselves,invariably less than a year for me.

I believe the quoted longevity periods apply if you dont turn them off , what a waste of electricity.

I wonder how they compare in terms of total profit, they are normally so much more expensive.

Answer 15

Going on four years right now. The only bad thing is that they aren't as bright.

Answer 16

Here in the U.S. we are having all kinds of problems with Chinese products. You can turn farmers into manufactures overnight.

Answer 17

I can't say how long they last but I do feel that they do last longer than the older ones.  I put one in my kitchen about a year ago and it is still going strong - before that i was changing the kitchen bulb on average every 6 months.  They can't be bought here for 99p - they are very expensive and there is no sign of them coming down in price any time soon either.

Answer 18

Tesco are doing a promo on energy saving light bulbs at the mo. They cost a penny for as long as stocks last. Does that make it seem a better prospect?

Answer 19

i recently bought 4 of the 99p energy saving light bulbs, one broke as i put it in the socket, another ran out very quickly the other 2 are ok. the more expensive ones that we got before have been going for over 2 years so far

Answer 20

Personally i don't like energy saving bulbs. All the ones Ive had are always right dull and they take ages before there bright and i don't think they last longer then normal ones