[PalmMP3]

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?

[labman]

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.

[PalmMP3]

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?

[Borewyrm]

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 :)

[labman]

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.