I would post this in the CFL thread, but this is a more specific question and some might have tuned that out already. So the question is, have any of you replaced the standard incandescent with a CFL in an overhead vent for a cooking range? Is this a bad idea? I'm leaning toward trying this. About the only concern I have is heat leading to earlier failure of the CFL, but the clearance is over 2 feet so the temperature elevation will not be severe. I probably use this light less than I should because I forget it is there. I could use it in lieu of the six track mounted CFL's at times. My wife uses it frequently...which is what got me to thinking about it.
I installed a CFL in our range hood. It seems to be ok there. One of the issues is finding one small enough to fit. Ours is a Greenlight brand, 7W. Its about the same size as an incandescent appliance bulb.
Have I done so? Yes. Bad idea? Probably yes when CFLs were $15, but they are cheap enough now to risk it. I changed mine because our vacation cat sitter would leave a light on 24/7, nevermind the other lamps on timers. She hated CFLs, so always sought out an incandescent. I left a few installed in locations where CFLs were not appropriate due to very light usage. But each time she left one turned on, I changed it.
I've had one in for about a year now - same set up as yours - and so far no problem. Standard size/base twist design.
Thanks all for the comments. With as little as I've used the bulb the payback is kind of long (maybe as much as 3 years), but with the CFL in there I'll probably use it more and the longer string of CFL spots less, resulting in a payback of 1 year or less. The 60W equivalents I use are four for $6. Fit up is no problem in this Broan hood since the bulb is in a more open external arrangement with a plastic wrap around cover/diffuser. It's not like the older style hoods with the light shoe-horned in behind a thick plastic panel. I've put in a 60W equivalent, but it looks like I have room for a 100W equivalent...hmm, might be a good place for one of the lousier 100W equiv. GE CFL's that I pulled from another fixture. ...okay, just did the swap, the overly long GE barely fits, it's a good location for this particular bulb that takes a full 2 seconds to light, and if the heat kills it...good riddance. Now that is funny! You have to wonder what is going through people's minds in situations like that. "Gee, it's not my house, and I won't be here to use it when it is left on to give the impression that someone is home...so I guess the only logical course is to turn on the high energy use incandescent." :doh: At least she helped you out on justifying the economics of the switch!
In hindsight, it was an early hint of dementia. For years she had complained about our CFLs not being instant-on, but this was the first time she did anything about it. Alzheimer's runs in her family, two siblings already had it, and now she no longer can live independently. I'm caring for her cat, in her house, while her relatives settle on the disposition of everything. And I've slashed her electric bill.
With the exception of a couple closets, the range is one of our last holdout locations. I guess I better get w/ the program too.
I'm sorry to hear that. If you've changed out her incandescents to CFL's there is some unfortunate irony.
OK now you got me going, my hood lighting, well to be technical, SUCKS. You All have talked me into it. I just have to rewire the 2 way switch and sockets, but its so darn dark now I can not tell just what the heck I'm cooking so 2 CFL's are going in to give me Operating Theatre lighting!
No, I turned her electric heat way down. To the best of my knowledge, she had never turned it down except for service (and summer). Not even for extended absences. She also wasn't good at closing doors and windows. Even when traveling. I did put in one small CFL, as a nightlight for the cat.
I suppose that you are talking about presently having the smaller utility lamp set up (or some other odd type) rather than the standard size incandescent. If it is a standard bulb, but space is an issue, consider the Sylvania micro-mini spiral CFL's (I've seen them at Lowes) which are probably the smallest option, or the n:visions from Home Depot that are a little larger, but smaller than GE's for example. I have one more major 8 bulb fixture left to swap out...it will be replaced by two smaller fixtures that I've already purchased...I'm just waiting impatiently for warmer weather so I can figure out how I'll rebuild this.
