An independent test by Consumer New Zealand found that energy efficient bulbs last longer and are brighter.
Consumer NZ compared a standard 100 watt incandescent light-bulb with compact fluorescents rated between 18 and 20 watts.
Of the 17 tested, 11 of the energy-efficient bulbs were brighter and one bulb was 47 per cent brighter.
But six of the energy-efficiency bulbs were dimmer; with the worst bulb 20 per cent dimmer.
That’s not going to persuade the government to change its decision to reverse the previous government’s attempt to ban incandescent lights.
There should be no need for force after their use. If the compact fluorescent bulbs last longer and burn brighter than the more energy inefficient alternatives a bit of advertising should persuade consumers to make the change to CFLs voluntarily.
The CFLs I use do seem to last longer than incandescent bulbs but I must have the minority which Consumer found to be dimmer and they also interfere with the radio.
June 10, 2009 at 7:57 pm
I must be buying the dimmer ones too, they definitely aren’t brighter. The ones I bought by the dozen in an earth (or maybe power) saving drive do last longer as long as no one fiddles with the dimmer switch or plays with the touch lamp too much but if you don’t treat them nicely they die without warning.
June 10, 2009 at 9:16 pm
i use them alot and they are okay if they are looked after. what is annoying is that they fade slowly so the shed just gets darker over time which you dont notice until you have a new one beside an old one
June 17, 2009 at 6:06 am
Homepaddock,
Glad to seee some sense coming out of New Zealand
I agree, all lights have advantages, none should be banned.
People can make up their own minds about the advantages, including any energy savings, and pay more for using ordinary light bulbs if that’s what they want.
Does society need to save energy?
No, there’s plenty, including new renewable forms.
Does society need to save on greenhouse gases?
Yes, on current evidence.
But everyone forgets a basic simple fact:
Light bulbs don’t give out any gases.
Power stations don’t necessarily either.
Power station emissions can of course be dealt with themselves (including by new energy forms)
- bans are unfair on emission-free households
and in the end don’t save that much energy or money or emissions anyway as explained on
http://www.ceolas.net/#li13x onwards
Peter in Dublin Ireland
Presumably Kiwi fruits come from NZ? Delicious!