Hoyt A. Stearns Jr. wrote:
Incandescent bulbs also have myriads of other uses where heat is wanted ( e.g.incubators ,non-linear resistor elements in electronic circuitry . . .
I think dedicated resistance heaters would be better for this application. They would last longer and would be less in danger of breaking and spreading broken glass around.
One of the advantages of CFL and other non-incandescent lighting is that the bulbs last for a long time. In offices and factories, replacing lights is a major expense, and it gets in the way of production. So bulbs that go for years without having to be replaced are big advantage.
As Hoyt says, some specialized uses for incandescent bulbs will likely remain for a long time. Such as in ovens, or for outdoor porch light in very cold places (Siberia). As Arthur Clarke said, once we invent a tool, we never stop using it. Just about everything ever invented is still in use somewhere for some purpose.
- Jed
