compact fluorescent bulbs <25W-equivalent

[blueangel2323]

Hi, I'm looking for compact fluorescent light bulbs of low wattage, i.e. equivalent to 25W or less. The lowest ones they have at Canadian Tire are 9W (40W equivalent), and there's a very small selection on the Home Depot website. Does anyone know where I can find any for a reasonable price? Retail stores prefered.

[majesus]

Last week, there was a post (in Hot Deals) about a CFL sale at Canadian Tire and Home Depot. Someone in the thread mentioned buying low wattage CFLs at the dollar store...

Take a quick look at the post. I dunno if will be handy, I'm just trying to be helpful.

[jason9945]

I'd want to stay away from any dollar store cfl's.

I'd check at ikea for the low wattage CFL's

Buy seriously, at less than 25watts why the heck do you need a CFL bulb?

[blueangel2323]

It's for a desk lamp... for reading, etc. so it can't be too bright... 25W is about right. But since it's on for extended periods of time, I'd rather it be efficient and not produce so much heat.

[jason9945]

Check Ikea.
Thats my only Idea.

[slomo]

Don't know where you can buy it from a b&m store, but here's a US site selling it.

http://www.cetsolar.com/compactfluorescent.htm

BTW, I had to exchange some Noma CFL's to CT because they were not as bright as they should be for their wattage rating. So, maybe if you can find them back on the shelves.

[blueangel2323]

Not bright enough? Have you considered the following?

1) They don't reach their max brightness for a few minutes
2) They're not as bright or energy efficient when the room temperature is too hot or too cold

These are properties of all fluorescent lights

[majesus]

I'd want to stay away from any dollar store cfl's.

Why?
Not everything at the dollar store is junk. Maybe they are usefull. Did you even try? I hate when people say dumb things like that without even going and trying first. What do you got to lose a buck?

Just because they are a buck and made in China doesn't mean they are useless... Its highly probable that many of the CFLs baught at HD, CT or Walmart come from the same Asian factory and use the same components as those that come from the dollar store.

[jason9945]

Why?
Not everything at the dollar store is junk. Maybe they are usefull. Did you even try? I hate when people say dumb things like that without even going and trying first. What do you got to lose a buck?

Just because they are a buck and made in China doesn't mean they are useless... Its highly probable that many of the CFLs baught at HD, CT or Walmart come from the same Asian factory and use the same components as those that come from the dollar store.

Well, I'm sure the dollar store CFL's are with the same care as the dollar store extension cords with fake csa stickers.

I'd highly doubt all the components inside are CSA approved - not even the expensive ones are like this. Remember the big recall at crappy tire/home depot?

Anyway. I dont think my house and all my possessions and my LIFE are worth saving a few bucks on a bulb that might overheat and burn the place down.

But since you dont live with me feel free to give them a shot!

[majesus]

Well, I'm sure the dollar store CFL's are with the same care as the dollar store extension cords with fake csa stickers.

I'd highly doubt all the components inside are CSA approved - not even the expensive ones are like this. Remember the big recall at crappy tire/home depot?

Anyway. I dont think my house and all my possessions and my LIFE are worth saving a few bucks on a bulb that might overheat and burn the place down.

But since you dont live with me feel free to give them a shot!

CFLs that overheat and burn your house down.
Sounds like a W5 documentary.

Consumers BeWaRe of the LightBulb

[jason9945]

CFLs that overheat and burn your house down.
Sounds like a W5 documentary.

Consumers BeWaRe of the LightBulb

You should install some switches and receptacles from the dollar store in your house to go with your dollar store CFL's.

Did you know that a CFL is different from a regular bulb?

[slomo]

Not bright enough? Have you considered the following?

1) They don't reach their max brightness for a few minutes
2) They're not as bright or energy efficient when the room temperature is too hot or too cold

These are properties of all fluorescent lights

I know of point 1, point 2 is new to me. So they are no good for outdoor lighting, then? BTW, the comparison was by two 23 watt bulbs, i.e. one was not as bright as the other one that is in use even though both are the same brand and watt rating. So I exchanged the batch.

[majesus]

Did you know that a CFL is different from a regular bulb?

Everyone knows...

[jason9945]

Everyone knows...

Just making sure, your post made me wonder.

How many dollar store cfl's do you have in your house?

[majesus]

Just making sure, your post made me wonder.

How many dollar store cfl's do you have in your house?

Jason, read my first post and you'll find your answer.

I was just trying to help him/her by offering a suggestion. He/she wanted an ultra low wattage CFL, and I remember reading on another post that someone baught some at the dollar store... So I mentioned it.

As well, all I was saying that not everything you buy at the dollar store is junk... CFLs included... I was thinking about it, some CFLs you buy at Canadian Tire, Zellers, or wherever are more than likely manufactured by the same company that you buy at the dollar store and not all of them have fake Canadian Certifications.

However... you do have a very good point and that is buyer beware.