Sylvania Micro Mini Twist Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Pros

• Energy Star qualified CFLs
• 30% Smaller than most CFLs
• Minimizes energy usage and expenses
• Contains 1.5 mg Mercury per Bulb
• Warmer or cooler light options available

Cons

• Not suitable for fixtures controlled by dimmers or timers
• Not suitable for outdoor use
• Doesn't seem to produce quite as much light

Description

• 2 pack Sylvania compact fluorescent light bulbs
• 60 watt replacement CFL (Uses just 13 watts)
• Produces 825 lumens of light
• 12000 hours (approximately 11 years) of life
• 120V Ballast Medium Screwbase
• Approximately $10.99 for 2 bulbs

Guide Review - Sylvania Micro Mini Twist Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

When you think of CFLs, you think of saving energy and saving money, so the big question was: what makes the Sylvania Micro Mini better than the standard CFL? I expected it to be smaller, but what kind of difference could that make?

Smaller size:

Sylvania Micro Minis are approximately 30% smaller than standard CFLs, meaning they require less materials for production and packaging. Using just 13 watts, the Sylvania Micro Mini CFL can replace any 60 watt incandescent light bulb and will save approximately $56 over the life of the bulb.

The smaller size also eliminates the bulky, awkward look of standard CFLs, and Sylvania Micro Minis are easier to install. Add in the fact that this CFL still maintains a 120 V ballast medium screw base and you're set to replace all the incandescent bulbs in your home and office.

Other Benefits:

Mercury is contained in all CFL bulbs, and light bulb manufacturers have committed to a self-imposed limit of 5 mg per bulb. Sylvania Micro Minis, however have raised the bar by including just 1.5 mg of mercury in each bulb.

Most CFLs have a projected lifetime of approximately 10000 hours, but the Micro Minis have done the competition one better by including a limited warranty to replace bulbs that don't last 12000 lifetime hours.

The Downside:

After replacing a couple of bulbs around my house, I noticed that the change from 850 lumens to 825 can be very noticeable, depending on how many light sources there are. You may find yourself wanting to increase the wattage depending on how many fixtures you have in a given room.

Also, be aware that Sylvania Micro Minis are not suitable for any and every light fixture. These bulbs should not be used outdoors, and are not as effective in light fixtures that work on a dimmer or timer.

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