tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9515456.post2988226465477230480..comments2023-03-25T04:05:47.674-04:00Comments on Bitter Lemon: How About Mandatory Lights Out After Midnight?Bitter Lemonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08176068345491694611noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9515456.post-44277959709413019242007-02-26T16:04:00.000-05:002007-02-26T16:04:00.000-05:00I find it doubtful that tungsten bulbs are our big...I find it doubtful that tungsten bulbs are our biggest problem; I'd assume that was our cars. However, bulbs are a low hanging fruit: a fairly easy, low-cost change that doesn't ask consumers to sacrifice much. <BR/><BR/>There are really two problems with CFLs: the economic disincentive (they cost more upfront, and although are cheaper to run longterm, I can't imagine consumers noticing the cost savings) and, as you pointed out, the light quality.<BR/><BR/>I have 2 CFLs I picked up when Toronto Hydro was giving them away (a much better idea IMHO than banning the old bulbs), and I was pleasantly surprised to discover that they suck *way* less than traditional fluorescent bulbs. They don't have any noticeable flicker (other than a few minutes the very the first time I turned them on) and the colour spectrum they produce is yellower than the long tubes of yore. <BR/><BR/>That said, I agree that the tungsten bulb does emit a warmer, more sun-like, frequency spectrum, which is better suited to the living room or bedroom than a CFL. I haven't tried reading under CFL light, either. Furthermore, it'd be ridiculous to shell out for a CFL for a light that you only use 15 minutes a day or whatever.<BR/><BR/>Conclusion: While banning tungsten bulbs seems extreme, I'm all for everyone switching their longest-usage bulbs to CFLs. For example, the kitchen or any work area. But then, mine were free.pmachttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04503243760084855711noreply@blogger.com