Pros and cons of CFL bulbs

With the change to the compulsory use of CFL bulbs from January 1st 2010, most retailers of low energy light bulbs believe they now carry the full range of compact florescent light bulbs enabling Irish households to easily complete the switch from incandescent bulbs – both indoor and outdoor bulbs.
There is a wide range of energy-saving light bulbs on the market today, but major supermarkets and hardware stores in Ireland tended up to now to carry a fairly limited range – typically the u-shape and candle shape types. However, in recent weeks one sees a vast increase in the choice available on the shelves. Not that you should only look there. There is real value to obtained online with several online only suppliers, the leading one being Avocalite
Avocalite is a show-case when it comes to choice, they stock; reflectors, pearl-shaped, spirals, candles, mini-globes and u-shaped bulbs. They also cater for most fitting (cap) types such as; GU10, MR16, small Edison and bayonet and all the regular popular fitting sizes.
CFL bulbs not only save energy, but also cost far less to run and are simply a better environmental choice than incandescent light bulbs, so the time has come for every household in Ireland to make the switch. The average household operates about 60 bulbs and the average cost of an Avocalite CFL is around €3.80. Replacing every bulb in one go would cost about €228 so they suggest replacing the bulbs step by step over a three month period.
Avocalite stock a new generation of high-quality Compact Fluorescent lamps, which are far smaller, less expensive and flicker free than previous generations. They also have a quick start with a higher quality of light than the older models. In addition, new LED lighting technologies offer the future promise of even greater energy savings.
However, leading Irish lighting website, www.lightingireland.com has serious reservations about the cost and sudden necessity for the introduction of CLF’s.
“This is another one of the perverted strokes that the Green Party likes to pull to show that they have political clout” said a spokesman for the website. “We have legitimate queries about the effectiveness of CFL’s because of the constant power surges and dips suffered by consumers in the Irish electrical grid. These CFL’s will blow when a dip or a surge occurs just like any other bulb and this happens in Ireland a lot more than in the UK or Europe. When it happens they are very expensive to replace”
www.lightingireland.com also has concerns about he disposal and breakage of CFL bulbs. “These are mercury filled bulbs. If they break or being binned, there is a big risk of dangerous contamination to those handling them. They are quite lethal in broken form” continued the spokesman.