Two of the CFL bulbs on the chandelier have gone out -

[ConcernedCanuk]

4. If disposed of properly - not a big deal

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And they DO last quite long if used as intended.

CFLs have a ballast - takes 5 - 10 minutes for them to reach their efficiency level, so are not suitable for rooms like closets where the light is turned on and off frequently. Frequent interruptions reduce the life of the ballast.

Standard lights have a filament, deteriorate with vibration as in ceiling fans, bathroom exhaust fans, or basement lights with a traffic area above it that deteriorates the strength of the filament.

Most of my CFLs last well over 5 years, EXCEPT the ones I put in places where I only use the light for a few minutes.

I have been using mostly CFLs for almost a decade, but still use standard incandescents for those rooms where I only light up occasionally.

CFLs are relatively inexpensive now, I will continue with them until the cost of LEDs drop, and they WILL drop in the very near future.

LEDs do not suffer from frequent on and off cycles, or vibration, so will indeed be a better choice in the near future.

Solar people are the ones that will be gobbling up the LEDs - they take much less electricity,

so as solar increases in popularity (and it will) the price of LEDs will go down as productivity increases to meet the demand.

Remember - many have limited budgets, so initial cost is an important criteria.

But yes, unlimited budget?

LEDs it is.

CC