Why do some CFLs take so long to warm up?

[Orrex]

We've swapped out almost all of our incandescent bulbs with CFLs, and we've generally been satisfied with the results. However, I've noticed that several of the CFLs take between 30 and 60 seconds to reach full illumination. When the switch is thrown, the CFL gives about one-quarter of the expected amoung of light, or less. Gradually this rises to the full wattage, but why the delay?

I don't know the brands, alas. But even so, a CFL I bought three years ago works just fine, while one I bought last week displays this slow-to-start problem.


What's the deal?

[SoxFan]

1. It's cold in Calgary and Winnipeg.

You wouldn't want a wide receiver to pull a hamstring, would you?

[Orrex]

4. To hell with them, eh? They've got universal health coverage

Let the hosers strain their back bacon, for all I care.

[Deja Q]

5. Didn't that creep, Dick Buttkiss, whine in front of congress a few months ago?

The money they make, and for what they do, they don't need any special handouts.

[Orrex]

6. I don't mind how much money the NFL players make, to be honest

Because otherwise all those millions would just go to the owners, who don't do anything to earn it. I just wish that the players wouldn't do stupid shit with it, and they certainly shouldn't complain about how tough they have it.

Ditto for MLB.

[KitchenWitch]

2. I wonder the same thing

Most of our lightbulbs have been replaced with CFLs as our incandescents have burned out.

I wish they had an energy efficient alternative to those "candle" shaped skinny lightbulbs, we have 3 light fixtures that use them and I hate those damned bulbs.

[Jamastiene]

3. It could be a faulty ballast.

I'm more familiar with other fluorescent lights than I am with the CFLs. I have slowly replaced most of my light bulbs (the ones most used) with CFLs too. I've noticed that with some of mine too. It's probably a quality issue.

[One_Life_To_Give]

7. Temperature and low cost ballast

Can't tell you the physics behind it. But low cost/residential use ballasts are not guaranteed to instantly start at cooler temperatures. Upgrading to the more expensive Commercial Grade ballasts have a guaranteed instant on. So I would say it's that the more expensive additional circuitry is not put into residential use lights.