A Long Light (Philips Energy Saver)

Member Name: aefra

Product:	Philips Energy Saver
Date:	23/11/03 (3542 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Energy saving, Enviromentally friendly

Disadvantages: Shows beneath a shallow shade

It was 10 years ago that I fitted a simple home device which was to save me money and at the same time help towards the environment. I did not know this when my husband brought home a couple of Philips energy saving light bulbs which he had bought for considerably less than the price at that time. I placed one on the landing and the other above the space which now takes my desk. After a decade of needing only the occasional dust instead of replacement they finally ignited for the last time within a couple of weeks of each other.

The promise was for 12 years, burning for 3 hours per day and the ten years I had them proved a promise kept since the one on the landing incorporates a smoke detector, so has to remain on for most of an evening to keep the detector charged. The other is above my computer and as every dooyooer knows we are talking midnight oil. Anyway, knowing that they are such low energy I keep them on.

Over 20 years ago new powders were discovered for fluorescent lamps allowing an improved colour and more efficient luminosity. Thus it was that thin glass tubes could be folded into the small fluoerescent lights we have today.* My bathroom light contains something similar to this and, although not advertised as long life, has been glowing for me unreplaced for more years than I can accurately count back.

The Philips stick looks like 3 very small fluorescent lights bent over in a U shape and placed side by side below the usual bayonet fitting. Because they are at least an inch longer than the usual oval shaped bulb I do not use them beneath a shallow lampshade. I believe that nowdays normal shaped longlife bulbs are produced but I have kept to the Philips Stick as it has proved its worth.

Unlike the usual light bulb which contains a filament attached between electrodes, these are filled with a gas which emits ultraviolet rays causing the coating on the glass to glow. Therefore, light rather than heat is pro
duced and up to 5 times less electricity is used than that of a 1000 hour bulb of similar output. I have read that if every family in the United States of America were to use one energy saving light bulb instead of the standard type it would have the same global warming benefit as taking 7.5 million cars off the road. Since the previously excessive price of these has reduced to the £5 for 2 which I paid in Safeway for the replacement bulbs this has to be a very good saving all round, whilst helping the environment.

Another interesting point is that the light above my desk is only 20 watts yet effectively illuminates this end of a room 18' 6" in length. With this type of lamp the lesser wattage gives the equivalent of a full 100 watts. I find that when first switched on the glow is rather muted, but soon warms up to its full potential. Incidentally these are not suitable for electronic or dimmer switches. Although I have written to and emailed Philips to ask them if other wattages are available, sadly they haven't deigned to reply.

I am told that this type of light is best left on rather than extinguishing whenever a room is left and this suits me. I like to leave a couple of lights on as a security measure when leaving the house of an evening and these fit my choice of location if I wish the house to look occupied without leaving all lights burning.

The depth of the Philips stick might not suit those who prefer shallow shades but I don't have an aesthetic problem in this direction. For those who may be concerned about fluorescent "flicker", there is no need to worry. The light given is steady and I don't find it any more white than a normal 1000 hour bulb.

The use of these lights and my intention to buy more come at the right time. I have been recently assessing how much money I can save on utilities without being finicky. An application for a water meter and remembering that I no l
onger have the indoor plants which needed tropical heat have helped. The addition of longlife light bulbs should satisfy the rest.

Although I like the idea that my pocket and the environment are aided by my choice of lighting, best of all is that I can forget that they are there.


*Source: http://www.eur.lighting.philips.com/int_en/prof/ab out/press/company/history1.html

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