After very little research I found that there do seem to be issues with CFB’s. One thing for sure is there may not be enough information available about proper use and there is important information available that people should know about the care and use of their CFB’s.

Three main points:

• Apparently switching on and off within a fairly short time span will burn out your CFB. Also -cold temperatures may also significantly lessen their lifespan
• Leaving them on for at least 5 minutes at a time is recommended -so don’t put them in a closet
• They are without a doubt better for the environment

Cost effectiveness may be more of a learning curve both on the part of the consumers -that they should not use them exactly as a regular bulb; and on the part of the manufacturer to make them less flawed and market them with more education. We don’t want people spending significant amounts of money only to be discouraged strait away; especially if a little education could improve the situation.

There may be flawed bulbs out there. On this point I am certain that the situation will get better as the market is more accustomed to the demand, however this will still put many people off and stall the efforts of well meaning individuals to pick up environmentally sound initiatives.

Here are some other good resources I’ve found:

Interesting post about CFB Comments that suggest there are indeed problems

• Message Board -CFB bulb problems
• User Tips for Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (read the comments too.

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