I am using the new fluorescent light bulbs and I'm curious.?

Question

Are these bulbs really energy efficient? And what is more efficient, turning them on and off or just leaving them on? Which usses less energy?

Answer 1

Efficient, yes. Leave them on, no. They're designed to be used normally only having a less watt consumption. You'll also notice that once they warm up, they're brighter than the rated bulb they replace.

Answer 2

I've been using one in a lamp in the living room for eight months now.  It's been on all the time.  What I like is that it doesn't get hot like the incandescent ones do.  It is also a 40 but gives light off between a 60 and a 100, maybe about 75-80.  I haven't noticed any increase in my power consumption, in fact, it may be a bit less.  The sales person told me that it takes more energy to turn a fluorescent light on than to keep it on.  That's why we see a lot of businesses leaving their lights on at night.

Answer 3

beware of mercury when the bulb breaks!!!

Answer 4

Electricity: Efficient

Health: Bad for You

Side affects: Headaches, drowsiness, depression....etc.ect.etc....

Answer 5

Energy efficient? Absolutely.  Read the label. the "watts" is how much power they take, the "lumens" is how much light they make.  You can easily see that they make more light for the power they consume.

On and off?  Turn it off.  

Consider your car.  More gas is wasted starting than running.  Can you save gas by never shutting off the car?  No way.  Same with light bulbs.  The bit of waste at the start is nothing compared to hours or even minutes of excess operation.