Ahh...looks like GE makes a special bulb for dimmer switches now. My experience may have been more than a year ago...maybe 2. I bet those dimmer switch authorized bulbs cost more.
3. Can I use a compact fluorescent light bulb with a dimmer switch?
To use a compact fluorescent bulb on a dimmer switch, you must buy a bulb that's specifically made to work with dimmers (check the package). GE makes a dimming compact fluorescent light bulb (called the GE Longlife Plus Soft White Energy Saving Bulb) that is specially designed for use with dimming switches. We don't recommend using regular compact fluorescent bulbs with dimming switches, since this can shorten bulb life. (Using a regular compact fluorescent bulb with a dimmer will also nullify the bulb's warranty.)
Actually there are multiple kinds of dimming fluorescents. Market standards are not yet there.
Our house is only 20 percent incandescent at this point. We went with “warm” fluorescent floods where ever we could. The take 30 seconds or so to make their full output, but other than that, they are fine.
18 posted on 04/24/2009 6:19:31 AM PDT by Starwolf