Dear Rich,
While I commend your recommendations to try CFL lighting, I must point out that here in Australia, and I suspect the USA, the ban on incandescent light bulbs has NOT been thought out properly.

This is merely a vote catching exercise from the Government in order to demonstrate how “green” they are. Cynical? Maybe, but as a qualified Electrician and a Trade teacher for the past 24 years I can assure you a ban is not in the best interest of the consumer, or the environment. To be as brief as possible I will outline the reasons for this in a list form.
CFL increase pollution by using Phosphorous and MERCURY.
Incandescent lamps use only tungsten and Glass. Therefore disposal of used CFLs is going to be a major problem.
CFL’s cannot be used in many existing fittings used in housing due to their longer length and increased diameter at the base.
CFLs suffer a shortened life span if turned on and off for brief periods as required in many home toilets. Incandescent’s do not suffer as badly.
If my electricity account can be CUT by 60% by changing to CFLs; please provide the figures as I would dispute this figure. Considering that many homes use Electric hot water, cooking appliances and air conditioning, lighting is in fact only e very small part of the total cost of electricity in most houses in Australia. Figures can be provided if you would like me to provide these.
CFL’s will not work properly or at all, in the following domestic appliances – Fridges; microwaves ovens; ovens; dishwashers.
The majority of Sensor lights will not operate with CFL’s.
Many specialised light fittings will not accept CFL’s e.g. chandeliers, dichroic downlights, concealed lighting in cabinets and ceiling fans with clipper or oyster fittings. This means many people will be required to have their light fittings removed and replaced with CFL compatible fittings. (Note: in Australia this has to be done, by law, by a licensed Electrical tradesperson who will currently charge around $80+AUD per hour to remove and replace the customers light fittings – labour only – fittings extra.) This will impact most on those who can least afford it.

Currently all schools and Government offices throughout Australia use ONLY tubular fluorescent lighting and/or other discharge lighting, and have done for over 40 years.

I am NOT against CFL’s as an alternative but believe banning will not work. But a tax on incandescents, or better still NO TAX on CFLs, would achieve a marked reduction in the use of incandescents – where ever practical.

Personally, I use CFLs and tubular lighting as much as possible BUT (there is always a but) I believe we cannot yet completely replace ALL incandescent lamps.

Yours truly,
Ted Harwood
Bachelor of Education
Cert IV in Training and Assessment
Cert III in Electro-Technology
Cert III in Information Technology

Currently employed as a full time teacher for Apprentices undertaking training for the Trade Qualifications Cert. III at “SkillsTech Australia”, Bracken Ridge Campus, Queensland. (State Government Education facility)

All opinions and statements expressed above are those of the Author and in no way reflect on, or are authorised by the State Government of Queensland.