Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - Replacing kitchen light

Hi,

I have a standard ceiling mounted light fixture in the kitchen that takes two screw-in light bulbs. I replaced those two light bulbs with CFL's long ago. But the problem is that they go out every 6 months or so. I am not sure what is wrong with the fixture but since it is a high usage area, I am ready to replace it with something else if needed.

Can someone please advise me on what my options are?

The light is usually on for longer periods of time so energy efficiency is desired. I currently have two 20W CFL's which produce 150W equivalent (75W x 2) lighting and that light is sufficient.

By the way, the fixture is rated for two 100W light bulbs so power draw may not be the cause of CFL's dying frequently. I have tried GE brand and Light-of-America brand CFL's available at Wal-Mart, so brand/quality may not be an issue either.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Do you have a dimmer on the lights?

There is also the possibility that the CFL's themselves are getting too hot, not enough ventilation.

Is this an enclosed fixture?

Thanks for your replies.

I do not have dimmers. And it is not an enclosed fixture. It is visible on the ceiling and is the regular Home Depot variety.

I do have a lighted switch that glows red in the dark when off. I don't know if that makes a difference.

And I have noticed that the CFL's flicker in the night, like they are still getting small amounts of power. You can only see it in pitch dark though. I don't know what is the cause of that.

I do have a lighted switch that glows red in the dark when off. I don't know if that makes a difference.

And I have noticed that the CFL's flicker in the night, like they are still getting small amounts of power. You can only see it in pitch dark though. I don't know what is the cause of that. Unless the lighted switch has a neutral it is drawing current through the CFLs and probably causing early failure. An unlighted switch is the simplest and cheapest fix.

Ray have the best answer the key issue is lighted switch handle that will kill the CFL's so the best way is repalce with standard toggle or rocker switch and that will slove all the issue you have there.
Plus what more once you put in standard switch the CFL bulb will last heck much longer to boot.

Merci,Marc

Thanks ray and french. I will replace that switch today. I had no idea that was causing me to drain so much money on the CFL's. Thanks very much.