So with new EU regulation coming into effect tomorrow the traditional 100W light bulb is going to be but a distant memory. Source
Now being part of a technology forum, I'm not opposed to change and progression, but I have to admit my feelings towards energy saving bulbs are luke warm at best. The technology has improved over time but they still have a long way to go as far as I'm concerned. What worries me most is you cannot easily find 100W equivalent brightness energy saving bulbs, and goddamit in some areas of the house you just need to have a good amount of light - the bathroom for example.
The problem with buying these energy saving bulbs is that they're not all the same. We all know it, yet we experiment with different brands in a 'pot luck' gamble of whether it's going to be decent or not.
Criteria for what makes a good bulb included:
Instant-on. Or at least a level of light which makes the bulb instantly useful (even the good ones tend to get gradually brighter over the first 30 seconds from my experience).
Maximum luminosity. Once it's fully on what is the maximum brightness like?
Colour. Traditional bulbs tended to emit a nice warm yellow glow, somewhat similar to natural daylight. Energy saving bulbs can be a lot cooler hue, and this don't feel as nice to use. This seemed more of a problem with the first generation, but newer ones still aren't as good.
Shape/size of bulb. This can be applicable in certain situations (like in a lamp for example). Not so important to me, but it bothers some.
What I'm proposing is that we report our experiences with different brands/bulbs so that we have some form of reference from other users as to which to avoid and which to look out for.
As a general rule never buy those 5 for a £1 jobbies you see in the supermarkets, they're typically old stock and poor quality 1st gen bulbs.
The best I've found as a general replacement for a traditional bulb thus far are the Philips 'E-on' branded bulbs. They give an instant-on useable level of light, acceptable colour (although it's not as warm), and are fairly compact as far as energy saving bulbs go. I'd recommend them for halls, bedrooms, upstairs landing, porches - that kind of thing.
As an alternative the brightest light I've found (but it takes over 1 minute to warm up). Is general electrics FLE15W/GLS/827. This was bought from B&Q if I remember correctly, 15W with equivalent 75W rating. Colour is acceptable, looks like a fat regular bulb, warm-up time is rediculously long so only install where you leave lights on all evening (top of the stairs for me.)
So let's have your reviews!
Good article here: http://fivepercent.us/2008/09/09/cfl...-incandescent/
Excellent review of different bulbs here http://www.popularmechanics.com/home...t/4215199.html


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