I was just noticing that it sure seemed to be dim in the family room. Main lamp I use is a floor standing lamp with a 100 watt equivalent (15 watts actual) LED bulb. So I went and got a new one to put in and wow what a difference being brighter. This bulb at most has been in use for 2 years being used daily for probably a minimum of 4 hours up to maximum of maybe 10 hours on the shorter days.

LED long life seems like a plus but if the bulb goes significantly dim in pretty short order that long life may not be of much good in some situations. The bulbs I use are the Meijer store brand and often they had been on sale for $2.99 a 2 pack with the ComEd instant rebate and regularly $9.99. I may have to see if I can find a better brand at a good price or just replace this brand every 18 months or so.

Anyone else notice this? Most other places in the house the bulbs are not used near as much so it is not really a problem. The one in our master bath in the exhaust fan fixture is getting really dim too but that one has been in use for probably 5 years and does not get near as much use. That one needs to be able to work in an enclosed fixture so I will need to search for appropriate replacement.

LEDs are not living up to their claims.

Tips:

*Look for lamps that don't say "Not for use in totally enclosed fixtures".

*You want 90+ CRI

*Don't buy Amazon ones, Utilitech, or FIET.

Personally I don't use them (much), I prefer incandescents. I like warm color and dim everything. My bulbs last forever, replacing lamps now in recess after 8 years. Amazing what happens when you are a Master Electrician and wire your own house.

FYI poor electrical connections found in older houses; voltages over 125v; and living in areas prone to power loss or surges are murder on the electronics inside of LEDs.

I have an LED that's been on continuously since 1997. That's 22 years without even a 1 second break!!!! there's an identical LED next to it which is on for maybe 10 minutes per year. The difference in brightness is striking. The always-on LED is getting pretty dim.

(BTW, These are both in my alarm panel)

ACE has a 10 pack of FEIT 60 watt equivalent for $9.99, either warm white or daylight color. For $1 a piece, I'll take them over incandescents any day.

My electrical company had a trade in, incandescents for LED's.

I received a box of led's and put them in service, the only ones which burned out are on the fan 14' in the air.

Two years and the only ones to burn out are the least accessible.

quote:

Originally posted by jimmy123x:
ACE has a 10 pack of FEIT 60 watt equivalent for $9.99, either warm white or daylight color. For $1 a piece, I'll take them over incandescents any day.

Local Menards always has LED 60 watt bulbs for $1 each with ComEd instant rebate. I like LED bulbs also for the savings on the electric bill and they do last a lot longer even before they lose noticeable brightness. I am going to have to try a different brand of 100 watt next time if I find one reasonably priced.

quote:

Originally posted by Neel:
My electrical company had a trade in, incandescents for LED's.

I received a box of led's and put them in service, the only ones which burned out are on the fan 14' in the air.

Two years and the only ones to burn out are the least accessible.

Figures LOL. I was at a church a couple weeks ago and oh boy did they have lights up high there and I was wondering what fun/how expensive it must be to change those.

quote:

Originally posted by grumpy1:

quote:

Originally posted by Neel:
My electrical company had a trade in, incandescents for LED's.

I received a box of led's and put them in service, the only ones which burned out are on the fan 14' in the air.

Two years and the only ones to burn out are the least accessible.

Figures LOL. I was at a church a couple weeks ago and oh boy did they have lights up high there and I was wondering what fun/how expensive it must be to change those.

I think my church has its own scissor jack.

flashguy