Built to Last

Discussion in 'Fred's House of Pancakes' started by Paul Gregory, Sep 7, 2025 at 6:53 PM.

  1. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2008
    26,929
    17,664
    0
    Location:
    Indiana, USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Yeah, my 1970s fridge was still running pretty well when I replaced it. It just used so much electricity compared to a modern replacement that my 'frugality' it keeping it going so long had cost me the purchase price of the modern replacement more than one, maybe two times over. 20/20 hindsight....
     
    John321 likes this.
  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2012
    12,261
    4,983
    0
    Location:
    Pacific Northwest, USA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    They gave out those free lightbulbs because the lightbulb makers were trying to get all the long lasting ones out of being used so they could sell the ones designed to fail.
     
  3. Paul Gregory

    Paul Gregory Senior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 9, 2022
    1,869
    465
    0
    Location:
    Alberta
    Vehicle:
    2024 Prius Prime
    Model:
    XSE
    In college, I knew a student from Poland. His brother worked at a lightbulb factory that made light bulbs that lasted 10 years. When the factory was privatized, an American consultant was brought in to advise on how to make it profitable. All the changes were to shorten the lifespan of the bulbs to 2 years.
     
  4. John321

    John321 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2018
    1,429
    1,395
    0
    Location:
    Kentucky
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Energy Savings: LED vs. Incandescent Cost Calculator - Wellfithome.com
    "LEDs outperform incandescent bulbs by consuming up to 90% less energy and lasting 50 times longer, which directly translates to decreased waste and reduced environmental strain. Furthermore, these advanced lighting technologies eliminate hazardous materials like mercury, providing a safer, more sustainable illumination option. Your choice of LED lighting isn’t just an economic decision—it’s a critical contribution to global efforts in combating climate change and preserving ecological resources."
     
  5. Paul Gregory

    Paul Gregory Senior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 9, 2022
    1,869
    465
    0
    Location:
    Alberta
    Vehicle:
    2024 Prius Prime
    Model:
    XSE
    My first LED bulb cost me $40, and lasted 14 years. Now they cost a dollar and last about a year.
     
  6. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2010
    8,241
    7,015
    0
    Location:
    Redneck Riviera (Gulf South)
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Closer to 3-4 if you burn the cheap ones continuously.

    Generally LED bulbs are rated from 20,000 to 60,000 hours and.......math.
    If you live in a blue state or a socialized nation they can save enough electricity (real world) to more than pay for themselves.
     
    John321 likes this.
  7. John321

    John321 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2018
    1,429
    1,395
    0
    Location:
    Kentucky
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    and come with guarantees - if you keep your LED receipts and they fail prematurely the vendor/manufacture replaces them at no cost.
     
  8. Paul Gregory

    Paul Gregory Senior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 9, 2022
    1,869
    465
    0
    Location:
    Alberta
    Vehicle:
    2024 Prius Prime
    Model:
    XSE
    Not the ones you buy at a dollar store.
     
  9. John321

    John321 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2018
    1,429
    1,395
    0
    Location:
    Kentucky
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    You have just identified your problem!