[Paradox]

I've used CFL's for a long time, but really, they are only good in certain application. Places where they might be used for extended periods of time (outdoor night lighting), and places where any extended life might be a relief (hard to reach bulbs). But anywhere that you are going to have constant on and off cycles is a not a great idea, like a bathroom. For us southerners, the lower heat output of CFL's is a nice side benefit too.

I plan on stocking up on incandescents too. For some if not most applications, they just make more sense.

[USFRIENDINVICTORIA]

I agree with everything you said — and you said it so well, I won’t repeat it.

For us “northerners” (actually southern Canada, but you know what I mean) there is little or no benefit from the lower heat output of CFLs. Here, heating season and lighting season largely overlap. We have more hours of daylight in the summer, than you do in the south — and therefore use a lot less lighting than we do in the winter (with longer nights). During the winter, the heat from the light bulbs contributes to keeping the house warm.

Regarding the extended life; I’ve been writing the date I install each CFL bulb on the base. That’s where I discovered how important the cycle time is, as you mentioned.