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CFL's give better light than incandescents
Popular Mechanics tested seven different CFLs for brightness, color, and other characteristics and all seven stomped out the incandescent 'control' bulb. They only used one incandescent as a control which seems a bit unfair to the little energy drainers. But if, like me, you've decided CFLs are the way to go, then Popular Mechanics' results are a helpful buyer's guide to picking the right CFL for you. As it turns out, the N:Vision Soft Whites I've been using earned the highest 'overall' score. I'm very picky about light and have been pleased with the N:Vision bulbs despite my initial skepticism. If you prefer very warm light I recommend bouncing your CFLs off a warmer colored wall (I use my straw blinds), or experimenting with different lamp shades and fixtures. Dowload the CFL test results in PDF format before heading to the store.
via Siel at green LA girl
The results mentioned in the PM article certainly do not agree with what my eyes tell me when I use CFLs in my home. I have used them for several years in places where much light is not required, but where there is a real need I have been unable to find any of them that can give out as much useable light as a comparable size incandescent. Certainly, we all need to use CFLs when we can, but they are not suitable replacements across the board.
James,
There remain a tremendous unevenness in terms of CFLs. The PM article is beneficial as it provides a cheat sheet as to which one works.
In my home, I ended up buying about 20 different CFL bulbs from multiple manufacturers. The only places where I have not found satisfactory bulbs (to pass the 'spouse test') are for the vanity lights, for a chandelier, and for recessed dimmer lights (last I ended up putting in LEDs).
I have different bulbs in bedrooms, reading lamps, kitchen, family room, etc ... And, everyone is satisfied. Except for the problem areas, these bulbs give good light and don't have notable time delays. (Only serious time delay is for CFLs that I've put outside in cold weather.)
And, there are many bulbs that are sitting in the closet waiting for use in unimportant spaces that were not liked in my testing process.
You can save some money by using the PM results to help guide your selection.