(no subject)
I went to WalMart and found some full-spectrum light bulbs for cheap(ish). Yes, they cost more than your run-of-the-mill incandescents, but they use considerably less electricity, and last MUCH longer. The two-pack ran me just short of $10. The regular-sized bulbs were about $6.
The ones I got are GE Energy Smart Daylight 6500K, in the smaller size (since I'm using them in an accent-sized lamp). I upgraded from a 40-watt incandescent to a 13-watt CFl, which is equivalent to 60 incandescent watts. I also bought a white lampshade to replace the tan hand-made paper one my sister gave me after the divorce (which I've never really liked - but I appreciated the gift anyhow).
To say that I'm getting much more light over my desk area is a serious understatement. The light is bright, clear white. After wrestling for so long with inadequate light, even from my overhead onion lamp (which still isn't working), it's liberating.
I chose the 6500K somewhat deliberately. First - that was the only "daylight"-styled light bulb they had. Second - the others were considerably lower in color temperature, making them more yellow or red in tone. To be useful as a full-spectrum light, the color temperature needs to be about 5500K - which is the sun's color temperature at midday. We'll see what these cooler light bulbs to for me this winter.
I want to try putting a similar one in Jay's office, since he's cut off almost entirely from any natural light source down there, and only has a lonely (somewhat dim, IMO) CFl for light. If I could get a light bulb that emits UV light as well, it might be good for him. They sell them for bird owners, but not for humans, oddly enough.
It's weird, but it actually FEELS warmer under the light. Am I crazy?
CFl light bulb caveats:
You have to dispose of them carefully because they contain mercury. http://www.lamprecycle.org
Don't hold the light portion of the bulb when putting them into fixtures - handle by the base to prevent possible breakage.
They don't light up instantly like incandescents. It takes a second or two.
Some will start buzzing after being on for a while. Some people find it highly annoying (me and Mom), some people hardly notice it (Jay and the kids).
Buy quality bulbs from a reputable manufacturer and/or retailer.
Oh, and don't use a CFl in a fixture on a dimmer unless the packaging says it can be used so.
The ones I got are GE Energy Smart Daylight 6500K, in the smaller size (since I'm using them in an accent-sized lamp). I upgraded from a 40-watt incandescent to a 13-watt CFl, which is equivalent to 60 incandescent watts. I also bought a white lampshade to replace the tan hand-made paper one my sister gave me after the divorce (which I've never really liked - but I appreciated the gift anyhow).
To say that I'm getting much more light over my desk area is a serious understatement. The light is bright, clear white. After wrestling for so long with inadequate light, even from my overhead onion lamp (which still isn't working), it's liberating.
I chose the 6500K somewhat deliberately. First - that was the only "daylight"-styled light bulb they had. Second - the others were considerably lower in color temperature, making them more yellow or red in tone. To be useful as a full-spectrum light, the color temperature needs to be about 5500K - which is the sun's color temperature at midday. We'll see what these cooler light bulbs to for me this winter.
I want to try putting a similar one in Jay's office, since he's cut off almost entirely from any natural light source down there, and only has a lonely (somewhat dim, IMO) CFl for light. If I could get a light bulb that emits UV light as well, it might be good for him. They sell them for bird owners, but not for humans, oddly enough.
It's weird, but it actually FEELS warmer under the light. Am I crazy?
CFl light bulb caveats:
You have to dispose of them carefully because they contain mercury. http://www.lamprecycle.org
Don't hold the light portion of the bulb when putting them into fixtures - handle by the base to prevent possible breakage.
They don't light up instantly like incandescents. It takes a second or two.
Some will start buzzing after being on for a while. Some people find it highly annoying (me and Mom), some people hardly notice it (Jay and the kids).
Buy quality bulbs from a reputable manufacturer and/or retailer.
Oh, and don't use a CFl in a fixture on a dimmer unless the packaging says it can be used so.