GE Dimmable Compact Fluorescent Flood Lamps: Ready for Prime-Time?
Written: Jul 10 '09 (Updated Jul 10 '09)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Dimmable, uses 70% less electricity, generates very little heat, longer life
Cons: Expensive, less dimming capability than traditional incandescent floods
The Bottom Line: Given their current cost and perfomance I can give them only a qualified recommendation. I guess the question is, “how green are you?”
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| rudixeno's Full Review: GE Dimmable CFL Flood Light, 90 Watt |
Over the last several years we have been converting to energy efficient Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFL) wherever practical. First, we began replacing all the bulbs in our table and standing lamps with the now familiar spiral CFLs. The conversion was totally painless, since the newer bulbs produce a light that is indistinguishable from that of a traditional incandescent bulb.
Next, we replaced the 65 watt flood lamps that are so common throughout the hallways and kitchens in South Florida homes. Apart from some latency issues (warm-up time) associated with these bulbs, the switch-over was again pretty painless. Prices for non-dimmable CFL flood lamps are now virtually competitive with that of their incandescent cousins. The remaining problem with them is that they’re not suitable for situations where dimming is needed. In our case that was our living room.
So recently while I was experiencing a particularly “green moment” I spotted GE’s Dimmable 90 watt equivalent floods and decided to give them a try. I purchased 6 bulbs to replace the incandescent floods in our living room.
GE Dimmable Compact Fluorescent Flood Lamps 90 watt
These GE Dimmable Compact Fluorescent Flood Lamps are rated at 1300 lumens, slightly less than the 100 watt floods they are replacing. They consume just 26 watts for a savings of just over 70%. Like the other CFLs we use in our home they throw off a soft white light. Their life is rated at 6000 hours or about 4 – 5 times that of a conventional bulb.
Looking at the bulb it appears very similar to an incandescent except it has a ceramic base that serves as the fluorescent starter. This makes the bulbs significantly heavier than those you’re replacing. Upon closer inspection you notice that the familiar flood shape simply houses a fluorescent spiral bulb surrounded by a reflective outer shell.
Replacing the incandescent with the CFL was pretty straight forward. Using our extendable Bayco Light Bulb Changer, a must have for changing bulbs in tall ceilings, the changeover was completed in about a half hour.
The Results
With the wall switch set for maximum brightness, I turned on the lights. As with the non-dimmable floods, there is a 1 – 2 minute latency period until the bulbs attain their maximum brightness. I can see this being an irritant to some, but by now it is largely a non-issue for us. It’s just something we’ve become accustomed to in making the switch to CFLs.
Dimming Performance
Yes, they are dimmable. Are they as seamlessly dimmable as a traditional incandescent flood lamp? Here, I’d have to say, not quite. That is to say, the range of light output falls short of what we’ve become accustomed to with conventional bulbs. For most of us this performance will fall into the acceptable range, but it does take some getting used to. Unlike earlier dimmable bulbs I experimented with, the light output of each bulb was consistent at various brightness settings.
Cost
If there is an aspect of GE’s Dimmable CFL Flood that may give you pause, it’s found here in the cost of initial purchase. Unlike the non-dimmable variety of CFLs that are virtually cost competitive with their incandescent cousins in terms of purchase price, the GE Dimmable Compact Fluorescent Flood Lamp is considerably more expensive than the bulb you’ll be replacing. I paid almost $15 per bulb. That’s about 3 times the cost of a similar incandescent. And even though GE estimates your savings over the life of the bulb to be approximately $38, the initial purchase price of the bulb may prove to be an impediment to quick adaptation to all but the greenest of us, particularly as the economy is where it is today.
Recycling CFLs
If you’re familiar with CFLs, you know that there is a small amount of mercury in each bulb. In recent years manufacturers have steadily decreased the amount of mercury used. To put the mercury content into some perspective, a CFL contains approximately 1/250th the amount of mercury contained in a common oral mercury thermometer. While it’s a very small amount and some manufacturers claim they can be safely disposed of in the household trash, convenient recycling alternatives are available. Last year, The Home Depot established an in-store recycling program in each of their outlets.
Final Thoughts
Are Dimmable CFLs ready for prime-time? At present, considering their initial purchase price and their performance, I’d say it’s a pretty close call. As I write this I anticipate that the cost of these bulbs will continue to fall to the point where in 4 years (their guaranteed life), replacement cost will be significantly less. At present I find I can give them only a qualified recommendation. I guess the question is, “how green are you?”
A thank you to Dawn for the quick addition of this product to the database.
Regards,
Rudi
Recommended:
Yes
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