Episode 2 - The Smiths Take On Global Warming:This past weekend, I went to buy CFL light bulbs at Home Depot at Seven Corners. I was standing in the "bulb aisle," purusing the CFL choices, when a woman and her husband strolled over to look at the CFLs. I overhead them discussing CFLs -- should they buy some...or not...they were more expensive...but... I quickly spoke up and said, "Hey, with savings of at least $8 per bulb/year -- what's NOT to like?!" The woman looked at me and said, "You must live in Arlington, too." I smiled and proudly responded, "yes, I sure do!"
That comment from a stranger in Home Depot was music to my ears! One of the Fresh AIRE campaign goals is to raise awareness among residents about things individuals can do differently. Her comment told me that people out in the community really are listening.
As for my CFL purchase that day -- I was disappointed that Home Depot didn't have any dimmer CFL bulbs or 3-way CFL bulbs (which do exist). Oh well -- maybe they had just sold out (I've been told by Ron Carlee that he's purchased them there). Also, that Home Depot only carries one brand of CFLs. That said, I found the manager, gave him my feedback that they should carry more brands and types, and he promised to pass along my comments to the "higher ups." Someone told me that Lowe's had a good selection, too. (But I really hate to drive beyond the beltway if I don't have to!)
For just about everything you ever wanted to know about CFL bulbs, go to the Main AIRE website and see the fact sheets at the lower right side.
Jennifer K. Smith, 17-year resident of Arlington
An Arlington County communications mgr. (and AIRE blog administrator)
I bought both the 65w and larger 85w bulbs to see which one works best - the 85w hums when you dim it.
The Marathon Classic65 is the way to go for me.
I'm a little surprised they don't color-correct the bulbs (like the REveal series bulbs) to filter the greenish hue. It wouldn't take a serious amount of magenta to pull this off.
Heck, if your recessed lights are sealed, you can probably play around with homemade gels yourself with a pack of transparancies and a printer - just cut-to-fit.
Posted by: anonymous | May 29, 2007 at 11:35 PM
home depot at seven corners is hiring, if you or anyone like-minded that you might know needs a job, please have them call Lisa in Human Resources. Loved reading your b-log.. I will make sure we have more dimmable ballast, compact florescent in stock. I use them myself and they are great.
Posted by: home depot #4608 | April 23, 2007 at 06:27 PM
Home Depot also carries 3 types of dimmable CFL floodlights under the Philips Marathon label for about $12 each. However, they are rarely in stock, although you can see the space in the CFL section for them (usually on the top far left or far right depending upon the store - Seven Corners top right, Merrifield top left). These models won a DOE sponsored contest (see http://www.pnl.gov/rlamps/review.stm) for the best quality dimmable CFLs a while back and I can speak to their quality.
I have been looking for these Philips bulbs for the past six months at local Home Depots and every now and then one or two bulbs will be in stock. Very popular.
Last weekend in the Merrifield Home Depot there were 12 of the Philips Marathon dimmable CFL PAR30's in stock and they were gone in 6 hours (I was there twice that day). I myself bought six of the bulbs.
Keep looking for these whenever you visit and buy them whenever you see them since they are so rarely in stock.
As for 3 way CFLs, I purchased two at the Seven Corners Target about 6 months ago. The trick is that you may need to modify your lamp shade in order for these to fit since 3 way CFLs are taller than regular bulbs. You may need to buy a taller lamp shade harp if you want to use 3 way CFLs. It only set me back a dollar or two for a taller harp however. I got the taller harps at Home Depot.
Posted by: anonymous | February 26, 2007 at 12:34 PM
We were at Lowe's in Alexandria on Monday (Presidents' Day), and yes, they have a huge selection of all types of CFL's. From South Arlington where we live, it is not such a bad drive, as long as Jerry does the driving... It's worth it, though, so check out Lowe's.
Posted by: Ingrid Morroy | February 23, 2007 at 08:11 PM