CFLs

CDMay2006

I want to like them.  We have them in almost every light in the house.  But now they buzz.  Like a swarm of cicadas (or maybe just a handful, but still).  And i will go crazy.  Anyone else found a prevention for remedy to this?

BlueMnM

never heard of this either. could it be the brand you bought? does it do that while it is trying to get to the full light strength or all the time?

CutesBoots

Get an mp3 player.  Listen to it for awhile at a higher volume than you find comfortable, especially in places where there is a lot of background noise.  You'll lose some of your hearing and then the noise won't bother you anymore.

Totally kidding, of course. 

Now that you mention this, I'm hearing the (regular) fluorescent lights buzzing in the office.  I'm not sure that any lights are actually silent.  Whenever we use our dimmer switches the noise drives me batty at first, and then I'm able to ignore it.

CDMay2006

The sound isn't necessarily when i first turn it on (though it is occasionally); it varies.  It's not all the bulbs, so it could be the ones of a certain brand.  I should check that out. 

GreenTea1011

I've had this happen right before they burn out. And yes, I know they're supposed to last 5 years, but I've had some poop out on me in a year (must have been a bad batch).

I've been getting "warm white" CFLs lately, and I love them. Sometimes a bit brighter or dimmer depending on the wattage, but I haven't had the problem in those...just the original cool white color.

CDMay2006

Klimtkiss419:

I've had this happen right before they burn out. And yes, I know they're supposed to last 5 years, but I've had some poop out on me in a year (must have been a bad batch).

I've been getting "warm white" CFLs lately, and I love them. Sometimes a bit brighter or dimmer depending on the wattage, but I haven't had the problem in those...just the original cool white color.

Darnit.  I'd love for them to last a bit longer, but that makes sense.  I know they [should] have a very long "burn time" but their lifespan is shortened by frequent on/offs (so we don't use them in the bathroom or pantry)... but the two bulbs are less than two years old, and aren't turned on/off frequently.  Bah.

PrincessBear

I've found that none of these problems (buzzing, long on times, short life) exist with the GE brand ones.  All the cheaper versions I've tried we have gotten rid of and now only buy GE ones.  I know it doesn't help you now, but maybe something to keep in mind when buying.