The Feit Electric 100W equivalent LED gives you 1500 to 1600 lumens of warm white light while using 15W to 17.5W — about 85% less energy than old incandescents. Worth buying if you’re retrofitting existing fixtures with quality dimmers already installed. The 90+ CRI on the Enhance Series means paint colors, wood finishes, and skin tones look right, not washed out like cheaper LEDs.
Skip it if you’re dealing with ancient dimmer switches or completely enclosed fixtures. Flickering issues when used with incompatible or older dimmer switches. Shortened lifespan if used in completely enclosed fixtures (heat buildup).
Dimmer Compatibility That Actually Works
Tested with major brands like Lutron (Maestro, Diva, Caseta) and Leviton (Decora Smart). That’s the real-world testing contractors need — not just “dimmable” on the box. Smooth, full-range dimming capabilities (10%-100%) means no dead spots at the low end where cheaper bulbs flicker or shut off completely.
The 270 degrees (Omni-directional) beam angle matters in Montana’s ranch homes with their open floor plans. You get even light distribution without dark corners, unlike spotlight-style LEDs that leave shadows everywhere.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Wattage (Actual) | 15W to 17.5W |
| Brightness | 1500 to 1600 Lumens |
| Color Temperature | 2700K (Soft White) |
| CRI | 90+ (Enhance Series) or 80 (Standard Series) |
| Beam Angle | 270 degrees |
| Lifespan | 15,000 to 25,000 hours |
| Base Type | E26 (Medium Screw Base) |
Where These Bulbs Shine (And Where They Don’t)
Damp rated: Suitable for use in kitchens, bathrooms, and covered outdoor fixtures — that covers most residential applications. The Cool Running: Lower heat output than traditional bulbs feature helps in enclosed fixtures, though Shortened lifespan if used in completely enclosed fixtures (heat buildup) remains an issue.
Perfect for Table lamps, floor lamps, and ceiling fans where the omni-directional pattern and warm color work best. Great color temperature; not too yellow or blue. At 2700K, these maintain that familiar incandescent warmth Montana homeowners expect.
The Instant On: Reaches full brightness immediately without warm-up time beats CFLs hands down. No more waiting in a dim garage on cold mornings while the bulbs slowly brighten.
Real-World Performance Issues
Occasional humming/buzzing sound at lower dim levels. That’s the transformer talking to the dimmer. Usually happens with older dimmers trying to handle LED loads they weren’t designed for. check specific model for ‘Enclosed Fixture Rated’ status (most Enhance A19s are).
Installation couldn’t be simpler — Standard E26 medium base; simply screw into existing standard light sockets. Ensure power is off before installation. No rewiring needed unless you’re upgrading those ancient dimmers.
The Bottom Line
At 3-year or 5-year limited warranty (depending on the specific model/retailer, e.g., Costco often has 5-year), Feit backs their bulbs reasonably well. The 15,000 to 25,000 hours (13 to 22 years based on 3hrs/day) lifespan means fewer callbacks for bulb replacements.
These work for contractors doing quality residential retrofits where color accuracy matters. The 90+ CRI Enhance Series justifies the premium over hardware store bargain bulbs. Just make sure those dimmers are LED-compatible first, or budget for upgrades.
FAQs
Q: Will these work with my existing dimmer switches?
Tested with major brands like Lutron (Maestro, Diva, Caseta) and Leviton (Decora Smart). Older rotary dimmers often cause flickering. Best used with LED-compatible dimmer switches.
Q: What’s the actual wattage? The model says 12W but specs show higher.
15W to 17.5W (varies by model; 12W typically refers to the 75W/1100L model) — the 100W equivalent runs higher wattage to produce those 1500+ lumens.
Q: Can I use these in totally enclosed fixtures?
check specific model for ‘Enclosed Fixture Rated’ status (most Enhance A19s are). Even rated models experience Shortened lifespan if used in completely enclosed fixtures (heat buildup).
Q: What’s the difference between 80 CRI and 90+ CRI?
90+ (Enhance Series) or 80 (Standard Series) — the Enhance Series shows colors more accurately. Worth it for living spaces where you notice the difference in skin tones and decor. 90+ CRI makes colors in the room pop.
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