[quote=flu]….So a few years back, as part of an energy conservation program, I exchanged some traditional lamps I had with new “energy efficient” lamps…
The newer lamps don’t use the traditional E26 screw in socket for lightbulbs…..
…. but instead use the new GU24 socket with the two prong….
And that’s the problem…
1. Despite what folks say about CFL, they don’t nearly last as long as folks advertise them say they do. I’ve been getting maybe 1 to 1.5 year out of them before they break (usually the ballast stops working)…
2. While you can find CFL’s with the e26 bulb screw for traditional lamps relatively cheap at $1 each or sometimes even cheaper than that….A CFL with the GU24 base costs anywhere from $4 each to $8!!!! What a big scam….
3. Even ignoring the big scam price difference for CFL with a GU24 base….Disposing CFL’s is a PITA because they have mercury in them and should be properly recycled. Replacing them every 1.5 years to 2 to me doesn’t seem very green to me…..so…..
I’m considering going with LED’s…I see a bunch of newer “bulbs” that uses LED instead, which probably will last longer, and more energy efficient (albeit considerably more expensive…..)…BUT….
The LED lightbulbs sold at stores use the E26 lightbulb fitting, not the GU24!!!…..
…So now I’m stuck buying a bunch of GU24->E26 adapters to convert my “green” lamps back into a “not-so-green” lamps, so I can use a “greener” LED light bulb” that’s made to work only on “not-so-green” lamps…
It’s funny that it says it’s not allowed to be sold in nearly every state:
PRODUCT SOLD : Online Only
Item cannot be shipped to the following state(s): AK,AL,AR,AZ,CA,CO,CT,DC,DE,FL,GA,GU,HI,IA,ID
,IL,IN,KS,KY,LA,MA,MD,ME,MI,MN,MO,MS,MT,NC,ND
,NE,NH,NJ,NM,NV,NY,OH,OK,OR,PA,PR,RI,SC,SD,TN
,TX,UT,VA,VI,VT,WI,WV,WY
If someone has more info on where to get all types of CFLs or LED bulbs, please post. Some of the ones I bought to replace the stock ones don’t seem to work as well.
I have a ton of bulbs I need to figure out what to do with and yeah, they last no where near as long as advertised which like you, has prompted me to consider LED as well which maybe 2x-3x as expensive, but maybe worth it for the lack of hassles.
In regards to recycle, Home Depot will typically take it I think.
