Topic 'Re: LED lightbulbs' in forum 'Home Improvement' - dslreports.com

Re: LED lightbulbs

Sat, 20 Oct 2012 17:49:15 EDT

OSUGoose posted : Ditto, but im using the GE ones:

»www.gelighting.com/na/energysmar···ome.html

Once the pull off a globe style one and get it near 2x CFL i'm changing everything over.

Re: LED lightbulbs

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 22:16:21 EDT

scooby posted :

said by cowboyro:

All my bulbs are from HD. Probably the cheapest 100W-equivalents they have. nVision? EcoSmart? They were some $2 each when I bought them... haven't bought any in a very long time so I don't remember ;)

Maybe it is my bad luck but I picked up four 4 packs of 60 watt equivalent Ecosmart from HD almost exactly 54 weeks ago. With tax the 16 bulbs total cost just under $5. Nine have stopped working, one spectacularly. Since then, I have started moving (albeit slowly) to LED.

I've purchased five Phillips Ambilight LED bulbs and the family is happy with them. I have not seen the EnduraLed bulbs anywhere yet. I wish we had the LED discounts some of the other posters showed because Com-Ed does not offer any discounts for LED bulbs.

Re: LED lightbulbs

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 18:50:54 EDT

mattmag posted :

I made a quick inventory, and the majority I have are from Sylvania and GE. I have four in the garage ceiling that are the EcoSmart ones from HD, and they are going to be 3 years old this November. Two of the big 150-watt equivalents in the basement workshop area. One of those failed last year, and was one I took from my old house.

It was the "pattern" failure, where it took longer and longer to reach full-brightness, and eventually the ballast smoked itself into death. That is the only one I have had to replace since moving here three years ago.

At my old house I had 3-4 of the "Feit Electric" brand from Menard's just die with no warning. I stopped buying that brand.

Re: LED lightbulbs

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 16:42:53 EDT

cowboyro posted :

said by Bobby_Peru:

What manufacturer's bulbs are you using? I am guessing our high failure rate may be related to the bulbs being HD/Lowes "house" brands

Re: LED lightbulbs

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 15:22:42 EDT

Bobby_Peru posted :

said by fifty nine:

said by Bobby_Peru:

What brand and type have you had success with? Thanks!

GE, Philips, PureSpectrum are the better ones I've used. Feit electric is reasonably reliable too, but I did have one that overheated and failed.

The dimmable Feit ones are crap. I bought a pair and they wouldn't dim properly. In fact anything below 80% brightness and they turn off. The only dimmable CFLs I've had luck with are PureSpectrum, but they flicker at very low levels.

N:Vision is good and reasonably bright. We have a daylight one in the laundry area in the basement.

The ones I've had going on 11 years are Commercial Electric (bought from home depot in 2001).

The walmart CFLs "lights of america" are crap.

Thanks for your substantive reply.

Re: LED lightbulbs

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 15:19:58 EDT

Bobby_Peru posted :

said by cowboyro:

said by nunya:

I began writing the install date on every CFL ballast with a sharpie. I was shocked to learn how quickly they really fail. 4 months. 6 months. Rarely do they last a year.

Oddly I have only had 1 CFL fail indoor in 4+ years of living in an all-CFL house. And that bulb was from the previous owner. I've had 2 others die outside, one also inherited and one purchased by me (flood light, the glass became separated from the base).
So 4 years and 3 total failed bulbs out of 50. I have 11 of them in the living room alone, they all have 2000hr+ so far. 4 dimmable flood lights outside have in the 10,000hrs range.

What manufacturer's bulbs are you using? I am guessing our high failure rate may be related to the bulbs being HD/Lowes "house" brands

Re: LED lightbulbs

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 13:52:50 EDT

cowboyro posted :

said by nunya:

I began writing the install date on every CFL ballast with a sharpie. I was shocked to learn how quickly they really fail. 4 months. 6 months. Rarely do they last a year.

Re: LED lightbulbs

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 13:50:35 EDT

Jack_in_VA posted : Texting skills don't translate into ability to maintain a home. Thus enterprising people can step right up and take advantage of the opportunity.

Re: LED lightbulbs

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 13:30:01 EDT

Draiman posted :

said by AVD:

you get paid to replace light bulbs?

I was thinking the same thing. Where can I sign up to write dates on CFL's and install them for money?
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Re: LED lightbulbs

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 13:22:46 EDT

AVD posted : you get paid to replace light bulbs?
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Re: LED lightbulbs

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 11:24:43 EDT

nunya posted : No, because I notice it with my customers as well (I write the dates on theirs too). My customers are served by 3 different utilities.
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If someone refers to herself / himself as a "guru", they probably aren't.

Re: LED lightbulbs

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 11:17:47 EDT

mattmag posted :

said by nunya:

I was shocked to learn how quickly they really fail. 4 months. 6 months. Rarely do they last a year. I encourage everyone to adopt that practice. Only then do you know with certainty how quickly they are really failing.

I have never seen a failure rate like that. Honestly, I don't remember the last time I have had to buy any since they have lasted so long. Definitely years, not months for me. Could it be an electrical quality issue? Fluctuations or something that takes them out in your case?

Re: LED lightbulbs

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 21:25:51 EDT

PSWired posted : Just installed some 78W LED wallpack lights at work to replace 400W MH units. The fixtures cost $560 each, but at our electric rates the payoff happens in 3.6 years. This doesn't include the cost of maintenance on the MH lights, which seem to have a bulb, transformer, or cap bad every 1-2 years.

Re: LED lightbulbs

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 21:16:02 EDT

JTY posted : I'll probably buy some LED bulbs once some of my CFLs burn out. But, I can't recall when the last CFL I have died. The bulbs in the kitchen were 4 years old, before I changed the light fixture to tube lights. And, I kept the old bulbs.

Re: LED lightbulbs

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 01:23:37 EDT

shdesigns posted : I have a box of 10 Ecosmart CFL's that I still have 4 left. Must be 8 years old.

One CFL is in an enclosed light (globe hall light) and upside down. Had the old magnetic ballast type fail after less than 2 years. The newer ones last 6 years or so. On 24/7.

Most of the 13-14 watt CFLs I have bought had no issues. Seems most the 17W ones failed in no time.

Have them outside with no problems also. Forgot to put the lid on the porch lantern. Soon filled up with dead bees. Seems they love the CFl's ;)

nunya I've never had longevity issues with separately ballasted lamps.

They have been good here. I have 2 two 27-watt outside lights that must have been running for 10 years. Just put in 3rd set of bulbs.

Now, they replaced "Lights of America" (L.O China) ones that did not last. One failed due to crappy Chinese caps. Fixed and kept going. Then the newer quad-tube bulbs became popular and the old-style got expensive.

I had a work light that used an odd 17W bulb. Replacement bulb was $17, whole light was $20. Bought new bulb and broke it a few weeks later. Picked up a 96-LED cordless work light for $20 that works well but charger is more than just dumb so use my own charger.
--
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Embedded Systems Consultant,
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Re: LED lightbulbs

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 10:30:39 EDT

fifty nine posted : duplicate

Re: LED lightbulbs

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 10:29:37 EDT

fifty nine posted :

said by Bobby_Peru:

What brand and type have you had success with? Thanks!

Re: LED lightbulbs

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 10:21:50 EDT

cableties posted :

said by nunya:

... I'll be saving all my LED receipts.

Make sure to scan in those receipts, "especially" if from big boxes like Lowes or HD. Thermal receipts tend to go blank after year or so.

So far, Phillips and Sylvania LEDs are holding up for me. Early "EcoSmart-LEDs" from Home Depot failed 3x... got replacement on one and refunds to get different brand.
--
Splat

Re: LED lightbulbs

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 10:05:49 EDT

mob posted :

said by Tig:

said by nunya:

I began writing the install date on every CFL ballast with a sharpie.

Excellent idea!!

Agree. I put the install date on air filters. Why did I not think to put them on a light bulb when I install it?
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And as always, have nice day.

Re: LED lightbulbs

Sun, 14 Oct 2012 23:20:04 EDT

Tig posted :

said by nunya:

I began writing the install date on every CFL ballast with a sharpie.

Excellent idea!!

Re: LED lightbulbs

Sun, 14 Oct 2012 20:52:06 EDT

nunya posted : Years ago, I noticed that CFL lamps seemed to be getting much worse. Both my own, and my customers. I should rephrase that to "self ballasted" CFL lamps. I've never had longevity issues with separately ballasted lamps.

I began writing the install date on every CFL ballast with a sharpie. I was shocked to learn how quickly they really fail. 4 months. 6 months. Rarely do they last a year. I encourage everyone to adopt that practice. Only then do you know with certainty how quickly they are really failing.

About 20 years ago, when I first started buying CFL's, they would last years.
The quality has since gone into the toilet.

The part that really scares me is the way they fail. Quite often, it's a "flaming death". It's not the tubes that are failing, but the cheap ballasts.

I had 3 "Bright Effects" CFL lamps burn out in my own house last week. I inherited them (brand new) in April. They were installed in May and July.

I'm not saying that LED's are going to be the answer either. It's too early. Since they are made in China as well, I don't expect much. I'll be saving all my LED receipts.
--
If someone refers to herself / himself as a "guru", they probably aren't.

Re: LED lightbulbs

Sun, 14 Oct 2012 17:57:17 EDT

Bobby_Peru posted : The CFL's here, that have failed immediately, or very shortly after installation, or noticeably before the incandescents life-span that they replaced, have all been the flood lamp "house brand" of HD and Lowes. That may explain it. They were the only ones available in-store, in the desired configuration.

We did get a few Sylvania (I think) 13 Watt CFLs (60 Watt incandescent), for use in other applications. Hopefully they will perform as advertised.

What brand and type have you had success with? Thanks!

Re: LED lightbulbs

Sun, 14 Oct 2012 17:03:18 EDT

Tig posted :

said by fifty nine:

Not odd at all. If someone wants to find fault with something they will. ;)

Darn LED lights. I lost one when I got up this morning at 5AM. It absolutely smashed. So did the lamp. And it wasn't even on. Table was OK though, just knocked over. ;)

Re: LED lightbulbs

Sun, 14 Oct 2012 16:57:44 EDT

fifty nine posted :

said by mattmag:

Interesting how everyone's experience with CFL's varies.

I have used them in dozens of locations, and rarely have had to replace any of them. Matter of fact, last time I moved I took them all with me and they are still working. Even those used for outdoor purposes.

Odd?

Not odd at all. If someone wants to find fault with something they will. ;)

I've had relatively few CFLs fail, and those that were DOA or failed prematurely were exchanged. I buy my CFLs primarily from Costco.

Re: LED lightbulbs

Sun, 14 Oct 2012 16:03:03 EDT

mattmag posted :

Interesting how everyone's experience with CFL's varies.

I have used them in dozens of locations, and rarely have had to replace any of them. Matter of fact, last time I moved I took them all with me and they are still working. Even those used for outdoor purposes.

Odd?

Re: LED lightbulbs

Sun, 14 Oct 2012 15:31:25 EDT

Bobby_Peru posted : This is all a bit OT, perhaps, as it does not directly involve LEDs, but..

Our first venture into CFL was about two years ago, when we replaced around 8 "Duramax" incandescent 60W indoor floods, in ceiling and sofets. We had used these bulbs, or similar ones, for decades. There longevity varied, but, a rough average was 2-3 years.

Since maze-like maneuvering of ladders (and less than ideal stances on them) are required to replace these bulbs, longevity was the prime factor, though savings in direct energy consumption, plus that required to cool the heat they produce would certainly be welcome.

Home Depot only had "EcoSmart"(Home Depot brand), in this size/wattage, which listed a "7-Year" expected life-span, and warranty.

Many of the bulbs failed with in the first day, more by the second and third day. All were removed, and exchanged. One incandescent was kept with 4 CFL's in the kitchen, to provide true instant-on illumination, while the CFL's ramp-up. These second set of CFL's have made from one to just under two years, with the majority failing far more quickly than the incandescents that they replaced.

Called the phone number listed for warranty info reaches voice-mail, with messages not being returned.

This time we tried Lowes, and they too only had what may be their "own" brand. Installed 4 new CFLs, and one blew with in 2 days. We have been waiting a bit for more failures, before deciding how to handle replacement.

Further off topic: Is there good info on the recommend minimum times to leave these new CFLs on, in regard to both over-all power consumption (start-up consumption, plus running), and longevity? Years ago, one guideline was leave on incandescents if you plan to restart them again within around 5 minutes, and florescents for 20 minutes. I am not saying this was correct, and I don't think it took into consideration cooling costs. Thanks.

Re: LED lightbulbs

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 10:34:37 EDT

mattmag posted :
I'd love to replace the 8 50-watt halogen bulbs in our kitchen tracks with LED's. Just need to make sure I don't lose any effective light output, or I'd be in trouble...

Sure would appreciate 48 watts total than 400!

Re: LED lightbulbs

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 07:17:04 EDT

Draiman posted :

said by nunya:

Here, the poco limits the number of lamps / fixtures you can buy per year. More than enough for your average household. Not near enough to get in the "resale" business.

They limit us to 10 per transaction but no limit on transactions. I could place 5 orders for 10 bulbs each at Home Depot online then go pick up 50 bulbs. I actually did 3 orders for 10 each or 30 bulbs last year. I picked up 15 bulbs for myself and 15 for a co-worker.
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Re: LED lightbulbs

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 16:11:58 EDT

nunya posted : Here, the poco limits the number of lamps / fixtures you can buy per year. More than enough for your average household. Not near enough to get in the "resale" business.
--
If someone refers to herself / himself as a "guru", they probably aren't.

Re: LED lightbulbs

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 16:06:39 EDT

SparkChaser posted : well that stinks. I'm not sure what they did here in West Bradford, probably the same thing.

Re: LED lightbulbs

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 15:25:54 EDT

QuaffAPint posted :

said by SparkChaser:

said by QuaffAPint:

While finishing my basement, I'm forced to have 50% high efficacy lights

Why is that? Is that a Dtown code?

National code from 2009 apparently - of course whether it's enforced in your area (it is in mine), depends. It seems to only be recently (in the past year) enforced here in E Brandywine Twshp (lucky me).
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Re: LED lightbulbs

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 14:26:43 EDT

fifty nine posted :

said by DarkLogix:

There's an idea you in the subsidized area could buy a bunch and resale them

Pretty sure it's going to be illegal or at the very least attract attention from the local gov't.

Re: LED lightbulbs

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 14:09:58 EDT

Ken posted :

said by SparkChaser:

Switch says if you fill out and submit a form on its website you will be notified as to when the bulbs are available:
www.switchlightingco.com/email_updates.php

I know, I filled that out over a year ago. I thought it was odd that an anonymous poster would recommend something that isn't for sale.

Re: LED lightbulbs

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 13:41:38 EDT

Draiman posted :

said by DarkLogix:

There's an idea you in the subsidized area could buy a bunch and resale them

I'd sell them to DSLR members at cost but it's not worth my time to resell them to others for profit.
--
IF YOU FIND ANY MISTAKES IN MY WORK...Please consider that they are there for a purpose. I try to please everyone and there is always someone looking for mistakes!

Re: LED lightbulbs

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 13:34:02 EDT

DarkLogix posted : There's an idea you in the subsidized area could buy a bunch and resale them

Re: LED lightbulbs

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 13:10:12 EDT

SparkChaser posted :

said by Draiman:

Those of us with subsidized LED bulbs could also help you out if you wanted. A Phillips 60w LED is $12.97 for me.

:D yes you could, I don't think we have a subsidy. We have to pay for the Smart meter fires .

Re: LED lightbulbs

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 13:05:51 EDT

SparkChaser posted :

said by QuaffAPint:

While finishing my basement, I'm forced to have 50% high efficacy lights

Why is that? Is that a Dtown code?

Re: LED lightbulbs

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 13:05:20 EDT

Draiman posted :

said by AdamB:

said by SparkChaser
The Philips has a better efficacy that the published data for the Switch. The LED seems to be slightly lower than the CFL. You do have to use some power to get light or you could just open the blinds. :)

Yes it is slightly lower, but when I am paying a couple bucks for the CFLs and $20-$30 on the LED it doesn't make a compelling reason to change them out yet. I might buy one of the L prize bulbs since they are a decent price on Amazon.

Those of us with subsidized LED bulbs could also help you out if you wanted. A Phillips 60w LED is $12.97 for me.

Edit: You might be able to order them here yourself. Worth a shot and they have the L Prize bulb for $25.00 which isn't bad.
»www.energyfederation.org/estarli···249_5938
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IF YOU FIND ANY MISTAKES IN MY WORK...Please consider that they are there for a purpose. I try to please everyone and there is always someone looking for mistakes!

Re: LED lightbulbs

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 12:59:25 EDT

AdamB posted :

Re: LED lightbulbs

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 12:57:33 EDT

DarkLogix posted :

said by SparkChaser:

you could just open the blinds. :)

WHAT you blaspheme!!!

Use ing sun light how horrible.

Re: LED lightbulbs

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 12:53:09 EDT

SparkChaser posted :

said by AdamB:

said by nunya:

SWITCH is vaporware. They've missed one deadline or release day after another.

I've been waiting on the Switch LEDs for about a year now. I read about them in Wired and they seemed like a great choice.

The current Phillips LED bulbs seem to consume as much power as the CFLs I have. I will wait until they get to about $10 to start buying.

The Philips has a better efficacy that the published data for the Switch. The LED seems to be slightly lower than the CFL. You do have to use some power to get light or you could just open the blinds. :)
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Re: LED lightbulbs

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 12:42:52 EDT

nunya posted : You'll make your money back a lot faster than that: »Would you pay $50 for a light bulb?
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If someone refers to herself / himself as a "guru", they probably aren't.

Re: LED lightbulbs

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 12:39:13 EDT

QuaffAPint posted : While finishing my basement, I'm forced to have 50% high efficacy lights - The only lights that meet the requirement are CFL and LED. I despise CFL, so had to go with LED.

The best/cheapest dimmable LED for recessed lights I found is the $20 one at lowes. May just end up returning them after final inspection - It's moronic I have to spend so much money, when It'll take 30 years to make it back, with how little these lights will be used.
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Re: LED lightbulbs

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 12:29:04 EDT

AdamB posted :

said by nunya:

SWITCH is vaporware. They've missed one deadline or release day after another.

Re: LED lightbulbs

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 11:36:42 EDT

nunya posted : SWITCH is vaporware. They've missed one deadline or release day after another.
--
If someone refers to herself / himself as a "guru", they probably aren't.

Re: LED lightbulbs

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 07:41:29 EDT

Draiman posted :

said by Ken:

said by fluffybunny :

try SWITCH 100 watt leds.
»www.switchlightingco.com/

Where do you buy them?

You don't yet as far as I know. In 2013 they should start appearing for sale.
--
IF YOU FIND ANY MISTAKES IN MY WORK...Please consider that they are there for a purpose. I try to please everyone and there is always someone looking for mistakes!

Re: LED lightbulbs

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 07:40:57 EDT

SparkChaser posted : Switch says if you fill out and submit a form on its website you will be notified as to when the bulbs are available:
www.switchlightingco.com/email_updates.php

Re: LED lightbulbs

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 07:33:02 EDT

Ken posted :

said by fluffybunny :

try SWITCH 100 watt leds.
»www.switchlightingco.com/

Where do you buy them?

Re: LED lightbulbs

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 07:22:33 EDT

anon posted : try SWITCH 100 watt leds.
»www.switchlightingco.com/

Re: LED lightbulbs

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 18:38:06 EDT

nunya posted : I just had 2 more 4 month old "Bright Effects" CFL's burn out (should I say, flame out in a blaze of glory). I write the date on the ballast to see how long they "really" last. They don't last long at all.
A while back, I decided no more CFL's would be allowed in my house due to the short lifespan and spectacular flaming failures. I broke the rules after I "inherited" about 10 of them in April. Most have been installed, burned out, and replaced already.

I've been quite impressed with the Philips LED lamps thus far. I paid $25 for the first one. The utility (Ameren) sells them through their website for around $12 each (heavily subsidized). My only gripe is the three "pillars" in the "globe". I don't like that. Otherwise, they fit in most fixtures and dim well.
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If someone refers to herself / himself as a "guru", they probably aren't.