Energy savings bulb question?

Question

in GErmany I saw at some guy's place ES bulb that it took some time to load before shining.

i just bought my first one today and it turned on completely at once!what s the difference and mystery in that,I thought it s golden rule but...

Answer 1

I've installed quite a few of these bulbs in my house.  Like, wherever I can (it's a 2 story, 4 bedroom, 3000+square foot, 20 year old house).  I probably have over 24 running.

Depending on who manufactured the bulb, they "charge up" to full luminosity at varying rates (seconds to minutes).  They are getting better over time.

The cheap ones that are given away or sold at unbelievably low prices tend to be awful.  Long start-up and short lifespan.

Best solution is to live with it.  Especially if your local utility company is giving them away for free.  I get most of mine that way every Earth Day....I'm always participating at a site anyway so really take advantage.  At no initial cost if they take 30 seconds to get to full luminosity, I can live with it!

Now:

What I've seen over the past couple of years is that they generally don't last remotely as long as the incandescent bulbs they replace.  That's bad as the initial cost is significantly higher.  

Also, unless one pays a real premium, most aren't designed to operate on dimmer switches.  That's critical in the house I have as several key rooms have really nice dim-able lighting systems.  Unless I spend the time and money to significantly downgrade the system and cover plates, about 40% of the standard sized bulbs in my home can't be replaced.  It makes no sense financially.

I really want to see some of the smaller "designer" bulbs for things like bathroom fixtures done cost effectively.  Some are available but at a horrible cost.  I could blow several hundreds to replace those fixtures....

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Maybe the place in Germany has ancient wiring.

Answer 3

You know, some of mine come on more slowly than others and I never thought about what the difference may be.  They are different brands - I'll have to check the packaging tonight to see if there's any obvious explanation.

The very slow one are quite annoying sometimes.

Answer 4

Most of the energy saving bulbs are flourescent instead of  incandescent. The flourescent bulbs sometimes take a few seconds to reach their full potential of light, but they are better for conserving energy. You can go on the website of your Electricity, Water or Gas department and learn more about cutting energy costs in your home. There are many incentives and rebates for replacing appliances, low flow toilets, Low-E dual paned windows and all kinds of information.   Home Depot Eco Options has an energy test you can take that asks about fans, air conditioners, lights, water and appliances and it gives tips and cost savings on replacing old lightbulbs and appliances with energy saving ones.

Answer 5

I am not sure the ones i got take awhile to get to full shine. I kinda think that the consept behind them. To save engery that way.

Answer 6

The cheap ones will take awhile to to come on.  It's not really a mystery.  You got the good kind and your friend got the cheap kind.  Whatever brand you bought stick with it!