Another LED lighting query

[ffutures]

I've now sorted the lights in most of my flat and replaced the CFLs with LEDs. At some point I will probably be dumping way too many CFLs onto Freecycle... but I digress.

The exception is my work room, which currently has a 4ft 36w fluorescent tube. I'd like to replace that, it's on for several hours most days, but it isn't as simple as the bulbs because the fluorescent fitting has a high-voltage starter, and CFLs don't need that. As I understand it there are two ways to do this - one is to rewire the fitting to bypass the ballast and starter, the other is to replace the fitting entirely and put up one designed for CFL from the outset. Fortunately the fitting can be taken down fairly easily - it hangs on chains a foot or so below the ceiling and can be unplugged - so either wouldn't be especially difficult.

Anyone done any of this, and have any information about the pros and cons? In particular, what's the service life of these things - will the cost of replacements outweigh the energy savings?

Comments

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

Poundland stores in the UK now have 3W and 5W lamps for £1, about $1.42 at the current exchange rate. It seemed like a good time to try it!

[robby.livejournal.com]

I haven't priced them lately, here in the US, but the next one I'll buy should be a 100 watt equivalent. My strategy is too replace the most commonly used bulbs first.