Customer Reviews

75-Watt Replacement 4 Pack Mini Spiral Compact Fluorescent, Uses only 18-Watts

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Greenlite makes a range of superior compact fluorescent bulbs. As a consumer who both uses the 75watt equivalent bulbs and has given them as gifts, I am very happy with their performance. So happy in fact, this Christmas various family members received Greenlite bulbs as presents.

The primary reason for purchasing any compact fluorescent bulb is energy savings, which can be as high as a 75% reduction in electrical costs over incandescent bulbs (i.e. 400% lumens per watt). This savings is compounded in the summertime, when the elimination of the remaining 75%, given off as thermal energy, produces a smaller load on the air conditioning system.

With earlier versions of CF bulbs, the color quality, overall performance, and cost dissuaded consumers from making the switch to compact fluorescent technology. Greenlite has addressed the first two problems. Purchasing the bulbs in bulk from various online sources solves the third. With prices as little as $1.50/bulb, the ROI over the life of the bulb can be as high as 5000% (50x).

In addition to energy cost savings, there are some peripheral benefits to using such bulbs. The significantly lower energy consumption means they offer flexibility in applications like ceiling fans or enclosed fixtures.

In such instances, there is often a wattage limit because heat generation might damage enclosures and lamp shades. Likewise, the current draw may cause internal wiring to overheat. These problems are eliminated with compact fluorescent bulbs. And, if are you using an electric heater or hair dryer that approaches the current limit of your circuit breaker, these bulbs can help minimize tripping because they use so little current (about ½ amp) as to be almost insignificant.

Because the bulbs last five (5) times as long as incandescent bulbs, there is also a labor savings. Hence, hard-to-reach applications are especially attractive for CF bulbs. Managed properties like apartment buildings with elevated light fixtures will realize a tremendous return on their investment due to savings on energy, replacement bulb cost and labor expenses.

Generally, there are tradeoffs with different technological offerings. While the color quality and brightness are fantastic, there is a minor issue with the Greenlite bulb's time to reach full brightness even though the start is instantaneous. Like most CF bulbs, it takes 30 to 60 seconds for the bulb to reach full brightness. Hence some applications like garage-door openers used in extremely cold climates are less than ideal for compact fluorescent bulbs. Yet, even this problem can be address by sealing such fixtures so the internally generated heat can accelerated the warm-up period.

These bulbs will produce a tremendous ROI on direct electrical saving and reduced costs of air conditioning. Purchase these bulbs to save money on your electric bill and buy them as gifts for friends and relatives to promote responsible energy consumption.

I've bought several varieties of CFL's over the years, and these are in the top three that I've found. They come on instantly (unlike the GE brand that's sold at our Walmart that take about 1.5 seconds to light up). Lead free glass is a step in the right direction, hoping they can find a way to get rid of the mercury soon, too.

The CFLs that take the longest to light get a special place in my house: in the far corners of the cellar - that way I'll see them lit by the time I get there and won't get annoyed.