Hi all,

I've noticed that certain brands of compact fluorescent light bulbs (sometimes called "spring lamps" because of the way the bulb is shaped) will light up immediately upon flipping the switch (like a regular incandescent bulb), while others, such as GE, will have a noticeable "lag time" until they light up (usually less than a second, but it's long enough to be annoying nonetheless).

Does anyone have any experience with this - i.e. can you tell me, to the best of your knowledge, what brands are good (that light up right away) and what brands to avoid?

Can't say what brand they are, but I have bought several 5/$11 packs at Home Depot and had good luck with them. Put 3 in the kitchen light over a year ago, and my wife hasn't caught me putting slow lighting fluoresents in it yet. None of them have burned out. I am also putting them in the Exit signs at my church. Always on, they last about a year, reducing complaints about exit lights out. I just picked up a 4/$8 pack at Lowe's, but to get it open, I cut the top with the brand on it off. These are the best prices I have seen. Go for it.

I eliminated flickering incandescents by switching from GE to ''Brite Time''. One of several market leaders I avoid.

OK thanks, I'll check 'em out.

BTW, does Lowe's/Home Depot have the same return policy for light bulbs as they do for everything else?

OK thanks, I'll check 'em out.

BTW, does Lowe's/Home Depot have the same return policy for light bulbs as they do for everything else?

Not sure, I figure I was able to return a used treated 2x6... so I would imagine with a bit of tact anything can go back :)

I looked at one of my older HD bulbs. It says Commercial Electric. I thought about taking back some of my bulbs that must be nearing the end of their life, but that would be dishonest.