Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)-The Negative Side

As everyone probably knows by now, Congress passed a new energy bill recently, and effectively banned incandescent light bulbs. Okay, not exactly banned them, but they're phasing them out. The new rules apply starting in 2012, and by the year 2014, it will be illegal to manufacture or sell traditional incandescent bulbs, due to tightened standards. The law requires a certain level of efficiency, that currently only compact fluorescent lamps can fulfill. Lasting 6 times longer than traditional bulbs, compact fluorescent lamps are also much more energy efficient.

But sometimes the cure is worse than the disease, and compact fluorescent lamps are not without problems. They are extremely sensitive to temperatures, and don't work well in cold areas, such as garages or basements in cooler climates. They are 25% longer in size than the typical incandescent bulb, and this makes them unsuitable for various lighting fixtures, including chandeliers and other ceiling mounted lights. These will have to be replaced or reconfigured to accommodate the new bulbs, and that could prove to be quite expensive. You can't use most of the compact fluorescent bulbs with existing dimmer switches or timers. Newer versions that can be dimmed, will require new CFL adaptable dimmers and timers. (That's right-another expense.) The quality of the light is different, as is the ambiance. Compact fluorescent lamps make horrible reading lights, and many people (myself included), find them unpleasant and lacking warmth. (Think of a sterile hospital lobby.) Some people find that the CFLs give them migraines, and others experience headaches and eyestrain. They are reported to trigger epileptic seizures in susceptible people, as well as to cause problems for people with lupus.