CFL’s

Although compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL’s) still offer a large amount on energy savings, it turns out that they might not last as long as expected.

According to the Wall Street Journal, when PG&E Corp. first started the CFL rebate program, it expected the bulbs to last 9.4 years.  But, the company has decreased the estimated lifespan to 6.3 years, therefore limiting energy savings from the bulbs.  Higher burnout rates were experienced in certain locations throughout the home, like in bathrooms and in recessed lighting.  Turning them on and off a lot also seems to impair longevity.

From Hardware Retailing Magazine, March 2011