Review of TCP 16248 - 4R3016TD Dimmable Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb

Customer Ratings:

Though it dims slightly more awkwardly than a traditional spot, it is quite adequate. I have 10/ 60 Watt recessed spots in my kitchen area and this is going to save a great deal of money on electric.

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I installed 20-25 of these 1-year ago in my house. Only ordering more of the same because I want the similar color/intensity, otherwise I'd probably try something else. I've now lost 3 (within about a month of each other) after only 1-year of use.

In operation, bulbs are pretty decent, a warm-color. Bulbs take about 1-second to light after turning switch on, then take about 90-120 seconds to come-up to full brightness. Once fully warmed-up, they are similar brightness to the 65Watt incandescents I used to have in these eyeball-lights, though the light is more scattered/foggy than an incandescent frosted bulb is. I wouldn't use these in a room (like a closet, pantry, or bath) where you want light quick-in / quick-out, since they take so long to come up to full-brightness.

Follow-up 2-months later: I just lost another 2. That makes 5 dead within 12-14 months, in a room that really isn't used all that often. My fixtures are "IC" (insulation-contact) rated, but the thermostats have never kicked-out (so I don't think it's an over-temperature issue).

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I recently had a home energy assessment and my they replaced all my existing recessed dimmer spots with these. Before...if I stood near my three old ceiling spots on full the room was actually warmer, so I expect these will save a lot of energy in comparison.

I've read that other brand dimmers have trouble at low levels. This brand has apparently figured it out as I can go pretty low on these before they blink out. Not perfect but very good.

BTW, recessed ceiling light housings have large vent holes at the top that turn them into "chimneys" and suck the air up...needed because the old spots were so hot. According to others, these cool lights allow you to seal those vents and pick up even more energy saving.