When they stop selling standard light bulbs in the US, can I still buy them from Mexico or overseas?

Question

I just figured with NAFTA and all, we will be able to buy them there. I've noticed the compact fluorescent bulbs don't last any longer than standard bulbs, and at $5 apiece & gas over $4/gal, I sure as h**l am going to stick to standard as much as possible. Not even mentioning the mercury poisoning, to boot.

Answer 1

I too have not had great success with the new fluorescent bulbs. They do not last as long as they claim.

As an industrial electrician I can tell you that I have personally put the new bulbs to the test with my amp probe and they do pull less current (a.k.a they are cheaper to run).

I kept each of the old style bulbs as I swapped them out. I have them stored with newspaper wrapped around them. I also have 2 or 3 boxes of 60 watt and 100 watt bulbs saved back as well.

For $20 or $25 bucks you can buy a 40 to 50 bulbs and stash them back. Its probably a super smart move. You won't regret it.

Miketyson26

Answer 2

I've actually had the opposite experience... I'm finding that the new bulbs do last well and are more economical. We even finally seemed to have solved the problem of a constantly blowing bulb. We'd had the fitting checked, all was well, but as it was a light in constant use, we seemed to be forever replacing he bulb. Not any more thankfully.

Don't look to Australia for them, we are phasing them out as well.

Answer 3

the government is always trying to limit your freedoms dont worry wven if the US gov bans incondesent light bulbs you will still be able to buy them i dont think even congress has the power to choose what light bulbs you use...but just in case they do yeh you could buy them anywhere from mexico...or say the middle east. Just cause its banned in US doesnt mean its banned from other countries.

Answer 4

name brand CFLs last forever.  GE are by far the best.  Always get the ones that are encapsulated because the naked coil types are very fragile.

The best investment is add some windows and skylights to your house.

Answer 5

Not even mentioning the mercury poisoning, to boot.

And China is the only one making them.

US is not allowed to use mercury.  Not in a thermomenter and I don't have or need one.

Congress is brain dead.  Someone should pull the plug and bury them.