Philips Blue Transparent A19 light bulbs provide a vibrant blue color for any occasion. These light bulbs are ideal for use in table and floor lamps, as well as decorative light fixtures. In purchasing this light bulb, you are helping raise autism awareness through Autism Speaks' Light it Up Blue initiative.
Highlights
Estimated yearly energy cost: $3.01 (based on 3 hours/day, 11¢/kWh. cost depend on rates and use)
Life: 1.4 years (based on 3 hours/day)
Light appearance: blue
Energy used: 25-Watt
Blue reflector for color for adding decorative effects to your home or garden
Ideal for use in table and floor lamps
A19 shape with a medium base
Supports autism speaks' light it up blue initiative
I thought they would be a brighter blue, but they...
I thought they would be a brighter blue, but they were ok
by
Verified Purchase
Apr 13, 2016
Blue lights for autism speaks
3 Out of the 6 did not work! The filament inside was broken when I received them. Not a good product to have a sponsor like Autism Speaks endorsement. Had to buy different blue lights to "light it up blue."
by
Dec 31, 2015
A time based review...
Note: This applies to all the Philips bulbs of this glass in their respective colors.
I don't have an exact count, but I am writing this review as I have purchased between 190 and 220 of these bulbs over several years and wish to share long-term performance statistics. I use these bulbs in an application where this exact bulb is required due to a design choice in 2006. Originally they were bought off the shelf in cases of six, then later mail ordered where they are drop-shipped direct from Philips.
First Issue: Failure on startup. Slightly more than One in Six of these bulbs fails on startup. Originally I attributed this to possibly poor handling by local Home Depot stores. I personally install them, and very carefully to learn for myself. After purchasing them online and having them shipped direct from Philips, the failure rate has always been the same, for almost ten years now.
Part of my "inspiration" to write this review is because of my experience today. I replaced 14 burned out bulbs, and 4 of the new ones blew out on startup. This is above the overall average, but not the first time. My personal reaction might be that someone isn't being careful with them... understandable reaction, but incorrect. I don't have this issue with any other bulb of the large number (60+) of bulbs installed in various decor elsewhere.
Second Issue: In fairness, this issue is typical of all dipped/coated bulbs. Bulbs with actual colored glass are a rarity. Nearly all mainstream colored bulbs are dipped or coated with a dyed polymer to achieve their color. The main issue with this is heat damaging the coating by either melting it away until clear, or just discoloration over time. We have always been pleased with the initial color, but after a few hours total of continuous burn, they are recognizably different color from fresh bulbs.
If the bulbs survive startup, they normally burn fine for about what they are stated for, BUT the color of course fails long before this.
Application. The vast majority of the bulbs I use are in completely open air, with no objects within 3 inches in any direction. They are simply accent lighting. In addition, most are on an electronic dimming system which has a "soft start" feature to fade them in, for longer life. This works well to add life to any incandescent bulbs.
The point being that this is the optimal condition for these bulbs and they still perform below any bulb we have every used... and nearly 200 bulbs over years is a large enough test group to be definitive for us.
In theory there IS a warranty of 1.4 years from Philips, but I have never attempted to use it. I spend all my time re-installing and re-ordering bulbs I suppose. <sarcasm>
Is this a good bulb? Not if there is any other alternative. (we have to use incandescent because of remote control dimming equipment, CFL's aren't compatible with our system)
In fairness, we tested basically every brand of colored incandescent bulb available and this one IS the best we could find. Coatings on some brands of bulbs we tested, failed in one hour of use. This is why we dim them, for longevity. In the dimmed sets, coatings last much longer and bulb life can double.
Would I recommend this to a friend? I wouldn't recommend these to an enemy. There must be a substantial quality control issue or a design issue that allows them to become damaged too easily in shipping. In you can't use Compact Fluorescent, or LED bulbs, these are the best you can get though.
I hope this review helps you make a more informed choice. If you have to use this type/style of bulb, this is the best you can get, but is still far below the quality of any standard or non-colored incandescent bulb.
by
Pro
8 found this review helpful
Apr 23, 2015
Waste of money
These lights aren't even blue! Not well designed. Doesn't light it up blue! Better off buying dark blue Compact Fluorescent Bulbs