I have full spectrum 4 ft floresent bulbs in my home.(Put them in in 2006 just had two burn out yesterday- that is 5 years) Do have a few CLF's but when they burn out hopefully will not replace them with the same.
My cousin installed 22 CLF's in 2008 by 3-2011 he has replaced 7 of them. Supposed to last up to 7 years. The critical word is 'up to" Do not install in a storage area without sufficent protective closure around them as in an area like this is to easy to break them off. Also when these burn out they continue to use electric current when turned on as they have a transformer in the base which does not quit drawing power when the bulb fails.
For more info go to
http://www.lewrockwell.com/blog/lewr...ves/75548.html
Sorry don't know why it did not highlight the above.