cfl lighting

[trainer]

I'm in the planning stages of a new 28x28 garage. 9' ceiling with white drywall finish.

Something that i'm kicking around is the use of incandescent fixtures and CFL bulbs instead of 4' or 8' flourescents.

I'd probably use 16 fixtures with 13watt bulbs (supposedly equal to a 60 watt incandescant), and perhaps a few extras over the workbench for task lighting.

The plain sockets are cheap and have no ballast to buzz or burn out. Spare bulbs are easy to store and seem to last a long time.

If I did need more light for a particular project, I can always swap in some 150 or 200 watt bulbs temporarily.

Any opinions on this plan?
Should I just stick with 4' or 8' flouerscents?

 

[ep-98-z]

I used recessed cans and CFL's in my garage.
With 11 foot ceilings a 40 watt cfl (spiral) was required which are roughly equivilant to 150 watt incandescent. It is a very clean look and I am very happy with the results.

You will need to install enough fixtures to get an even light distribution.
My garage (24 x 40) required 18 fixtures. I put them on 3 switches so I can turn on only what is needed.

Also, go for the 5500 degree K (full spectrum) cfl's.

 

[yak]

hey why use 40w when you can use 85watt?

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4808

 

[Dave Carney]

What's your goal? You like the look better than the long ones or.....? $65 will buy a 4 bulb t8 with bulbs at lowes. 11,000 lumens and you might die of old age before the bulbs need replaced.

 

[trainer]

Right now I can get a 2-pack of the 13 watt bulbs for $4.99.
I have a bunch of $5 off coupons, so the economics are quite attractive.

 

[Dave Carney]

The trouble is that with the exception of the Philips brand, they just don't last anywhere close their rated life, particularly the cheap ones. Add in the cost of the sockets, the fact that you'll need 12 -14 units (read as bulbs all over the friggin place) to equal one 4-bulb T8.......then when they burn out you replace the whole thing....T8 bulbs are $2.20 each in 12 packs....I think you'll find why not many people go that route...