One of the CFL bulbs (100 watt equiv) I bought on sale burned out after less than month. I am hoping this is an abberation. It was on maybe an average of 2 hours a day. I calculated it used about 7.5 cents worth of electricity. An incadesent buld would have used about 27.5 cents of electricity. So I saved 20 cent in electricity. But the GE CFL bulb cost me $3 (or $2…I had an additional $1 off coupon for some of the bulbs) on sale, and I could have bought an incadescent bulb for about 25 cents (4/$1). The bulb had a 5 year warranty from GE, but the warranty requires that I return the bulb. So I mailed the bulb and stuff back to GE lighting which cost me $2.55. I figure that $2.55 is cheaper than I can buy another CFL for.
I am hoping the rest of the bulbs last longer than a month. They are supposed to have a longer life than incadescent bulbs. The bulb was used in a regular floor lamp. Nothing that would have retained heat or done anyhing to shorten the bulbs life. If I haven problems with more of the GE bulbs, maybe I will try a different brand. It could be the stuff about a longer bulb life is a bunch of crap.
The GE CFL bulbs that I bought require returning a copy of the receipt, along with paying the freight to send them. Who keeps the receipt for light bulbs? Especially given the fact that they’re “guaranteed” for 5 years. Anyone have one last for over a year?
Comment by Jay — September 24, 2009 @ 9:41 am
Jay, most of my CFLs have lasted well over a year. The few I have had stop working have been in places where they are turned on and off more often such as the bathroom. Other places where they are turned on maybe once a day, and left on for the evening, have lasted and lasted.
Comment by Rob — September 24, 2009 @ 6:07 pm
I have around 5 GE CF bulbs that only lasted about 18 to 20 months. Yes, I changed all my bulbs to GE CF.
I did not keep the receipt. How can I get refund!
Comment by Narendra — November 11, 2009 @ 6:41 pm
The Bulbs(GE CF) really do depend on how your electrician has done your lighting’s wiring. I have seen a house that burns these lights out soo fast because of a wavering electrical current. And in annother instance i have seen them last YEARS!
~Kelly
Comment by Kelly – Recessed Lighting — November 16, 2009 @ 4:25 am
I have had problems with GE CFL 5 yr. life for years, but continue to use them in my bathroom vanity to cut down on the heat. I always mark the date I install on the bulb. I typically get several years out of the bulbs, but have only had one bulb last 5 years.
When I run through a box of bulbs, I send the receipt (which I keep in the bulb box after purchase), the UPC codes, and a nice letter requesting replacement coupons or certificates to:
G.E. Consumer & Industrial Product Service Dept.
1975 Noble Road
Cleveland, OH 44112.
They send me vouchers with values more than the purchase price I paid. You might try sending a letter with UPC codes or whatever you have to the address above. Worst they can say is no.
Comment by Chuck — December 18, 2010 @ 1:56 pm