Just replaced another bulb with an LED

[JoeP]

The prices have definitely come down. I walked into Walmart and they usually cycle LED bulbs into the entrance aisle every few months.

Next on our list is replacing a security motion light that uses 2 halogen rod lamps. It does the job, but I notice it comes on frequently due to wind, so I have to wonder how often it comes on at night when I'm not looking. I'd love to have "blinding LED light" for this and not have to pay the high bills.

[disneysteve]

One night I was sitting readin and I hear a pop and had glass raining down on me. One of the LED lights had exploded.

The CFL that I replaced last night flickered a few times before it went out. When I opened the fixture to replace it, the tube of the bulb was cracked all the way through. It didn't shatter but it did break apart.

The prices have definitely come down. I walked into Walmart and they usually cycle LED bulbs into the entrance aisle every few months.

I got the last batch on Amazon. I had looked around a bit and found the best price there. I've got one left so I need to order another box.

[bennkar]

The CFL that I replaced last night flickered a few times before it went out. When I opened the fixture to replace it, the tube of the bulb was cracked all the way through. It didn't shatter but it did break apart.

This is why I am getting out of CFLs. These bulbs have mercury in them and broken bulbs are considered hazardous waste. When one of mine dies I wrap them up securely in a plastic bag and drop it off at a hazardous waste location next to where I work.

This reminds me that I should buy a few more LEDs as they are getting even cheaper now and replace the last few CFLs I am using - even though they haven't died yet, it would probably be for the best.

[disneysteve]

This is why I am getting out of CFLs. These bulbs have mercury in them and broken bulbs are considered hazardous waste.

I'm of the opinion that this is way overblown.

Yes, CFLs contain trace amounts of mercury. In fact, ALL fluorescent bulbs contain trace amounts of mercury but you never seem to hear about it from traditional fluorescents. Also, the mercury is in the tube as a vapor. It's not a puddle of liquid mercury. The tiny amount that would be released into the air if you broke a bulb in your house is insignificant.

The legitimate problem is if tens of thousands of them go into a landfill. Then those trace amounts start adding up.

[greenskeeper]

LED bulbs pay for themselves pretty quickly.

Additionally, they will likely outlive you: Most are rated for 20-30 years.

The LED is rated for 20-30 years, the driver isn't. Some can fail within months.

[greenskeeper]

I have found 3 light sockets so far that wouldn't accept an LED bulb. I mean I could screw it in but it didn't work so I had to go back to a CFL or incandescent. So apparently there is something slightly different about the contacts on the new bulbs.

The depth of the center contact probably needs "adjustment". With the power off try very gently bending the center contact outwards to make contact with the LED base.

[greenskeeper]

We have three franchise locations. We built them out in 2011, 2012, and 2016 respectively.

The first two, we had to go with the old fluorescent tube style lighting because LED wasn't really an option quite yet. Because those run 12 hours a day, and 360 days a year, we are constantly replacing bulbs, ballasts, dusting out the insides of the covers, etc.

The third store is 100% LED. There is no bulb to change at all - the bulb is integrated into the fixture entirely. That means no bugs, no getting on ladders, etc. The are quite literally maintenance free. The bonus is that they use about one third of the electricity of the fluorescent bulbs, and they will last from 20 to 25 years, per the manufacturer. That's a good deal!

you can retrofit existing troffer lights (assuming you have 4ft t8) to t8 LED with internal driver. You simply remove the ballast and wire directly to the socket that accepts the bulb.

[Gailete]

I'm of the opinion that this is way overblown.

Yes, CFLs contain trace amounts of mercury. In fact, ALL fluorescent bulbs contain trace amounts of mercury but you never seem to hear about it from traditional fluorescents. Also, the mercury is in the tube as a vapor. It's not a puddle of liquid mercury. The tiny amount that would be released into the air if you broke a bulb in your house is insignificant.

The legitimate problem is if tens of thousands of them go into a landfill. Then those trace amounts start adding up.

Back in the dark ages in HS chemistry, we had mercury that we actually played with one day in class where it was in those littles balls. No talk of it being problematic at that time, I learned along the way that it was so I don't play with it any more.

Note of minor interest: I'm 25 years younger than my mother. We both had the SAME chemistry teacher in 12th grade! I got him in his last year of teaching.

[bjl584]

Last summer the Home Depot near me clearance out a particular model of LED bulb. I bought all that they had. I replaced every bulb in my house, replaced every bulb in my Dad's house, and still have enough left over for the rest of my life.

[disneysteve]

The depth of the center contact probably needs "adjustment". With the power off try very gently bending the center contact outwards to make contact with the LED base.

I'll have to give that a try sometime. I'd love to be able to get an LED in the garage fixture so I don't have to keep getting up on the ladder to replace it every year or two.

[disneysteve]

Back in the dark ages in HS chemistry, we had mercury that we actually played with one day in class where it was in those littles balls.

Same here. We had a bottle of it at home that we played with on the kitchen table.

A number of years ago, we broke a thermometer at home and the mercury was released. I scooped it up and put it in a jar and showed our daughter. We did use gloves and put it on a plastic plate that we trashed but I let her mess with it for a few minutes. A little later, they were studying the elements in school and I had her ask if she could bring in the mercury. Well that didn't go over well. They made it very clear that it is a hazmat and couldn't be on school grounds even if it was securely sealed in an unbreakable container.

We still have it around here somewhere.

[frugal saver]

I'm waiting for the "next" light bulb to come out.

The first new ones--CFL's?--gave me a migraine. Then the LED's came out and it seems like they're flickering, just enough to make me always want to look away. (I have weird eyes with several eye surgeries.)

So I still use the old light bulbs, as sparingly as possible.

Hopefully the next improvement will work for me.

[Jluke]

I am having two LED bulbs put into our ceiling fan light tomorrow (high ceiling). Supplied by our energy company.

I am also having the 36 kitchen cabinet lights replaced with LEDs. I will never recoup the cost of replacing them - $700+.

Oh well.

[Goldy]

I replaced our dining room fixture with LED’s instead of the 5-100w incandescent bulbs it had and was surprised to see the electric bill drop about $10/mo. I have since started replacing other ones as the old style burns out.

[~bs]

LED bulbs pay for themselves pretty quickly.

Additionally, they will likely outlive you: Most are rated for 20-30 years.

That is on the assumption that they last that long. The main drawback of LED fixtures (as I understand it) as the LED bulbs aren't easily changable, as CFL/incandescent bulbs.