In ,
RickH wrote in part:

I've never had a CFL last as long as they say they
do anyway, and returning them is more hassle than its worth. I bought
9 expensive dimmable large PAR floods and all died within 8 mos, while
the old halogens next to them are going on 8 years, go figure. Those
I did return and felt like I was being waterboarded for doing so. The
new dimmable CFL's dont last very long at all from my experience, not
good if most of your wall switches are dimmers.

Are you using the CFLs in small enclosed fixtures or recessed ceiling
fixtures? Such fixtures build up heat, which CFLs do not like.

Meanwhile, CFLs tend to last longer if:

* They are of "Big 3" brand (GE, Philips or Sylvania) or they have the
Energy Star logo

* Only ones 23 watts or less are used base-up or in moderately small
enclosed fixtures, and only ones 14 watts or less are used in small
enclosed fixtures.

* Reflector flood types used in recessed ceiling fixtures are rated
specifically for use in recessed ceiling fixtures.

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If you are having recessed ceiling fixtures installed and they will be
using CFLs, things work better if the fixtures are ones with ballasts and
take ballastless CFLs that have pins rather than screw bases.

- Don Klipstein )