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INTRODUCTION :-
LED LIGHTS
While there are many bulbs to choose from, LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are considered the
most energy efficient. Youve seen LEDs in electronics for years, in digital clocks, remote
controls and other devices with an on/off indicator light. Now these long-lasting bulbs are being
embraced for their versatile commercial and residential applications that can save up to 85% on
energy bills.
Though a good quality LED bulb can run as much as $30-40, consider this: you will rarely
replace them. Energy Starrated lights are guaranteed to last 25,000 hours with normal use, or
nearly 23 years.
LEDs do not burn out like traditional bulbs and can reduce cooling costs since they emit very
little heat, and heat is what wastes energy when youre talking about lighting. This style of bulb
is very durable, as it does not have a fragile shell or filament that may shatter, as happened
frequently with conventional incandescent bulbs.
CFLs
CFLs, or compact fluorescent light bulbs, are the tubular- and helical-shaped bulbs that use
about 75 percent less energy than a traditional incandescent bulb. They are relatively
inexpensive, though not as efficient in comparison to LEDs. Their lifespan is about nine years
with normal usage and they can save you up to 75 percent on energy bills.
CFLs do contain a very tiny amount of mercury, about 4 milligrams per bulb, which is never
released while the bulb is in use or intact. Your local waste collection agency can advise you on
proper recycling of these bulbs.
Comparison Chart
LED Lights vs. Incandescent Light Bulbs vs. CFLs
Energy Efficiency
& Energy Costs
Light Emitting Diodes
(LEDs)
50,000 hours
8,000 hours
6 - 8 watts
13-15 watts
329 KWh/yr.
767 KWh/yr.
Environmental
Impact
$32.85/year
$76.65/year
No
RoHS Compliant
Yes
451 pounds/year
1051 pounds/year
Important Facts
None
Sensitive to humidity
No
Yes
On/off Cycling
Switching a CFL on/off quickly, in a closet for instance,
may decrease the lifespan of the bulb.
No Effect
Turns on instantly
Yes
Durability
Heat Emitted
3.4 btu's/hour
30 btu's/hour
Failure Modes
Not typical
Light Output
Light Emitting Diodes
(LEDs)
Lumens
Watts
Watts
450
4-5
9-13
800
6-8
13-15
1,100
9-13
18-25
1,600
16-20
23-30
2,600
25-28
30-55
Cons:
Dont heat up much at all they stay cool to the touch even after use
Last up to five times longer than CFLs; can literally last a lifetime
Cons:
Run out to the score and stock up on a few decades worth of the cheap,
inefficient bulbs youre used to.
Slowly replace burned-out bulbs with low-cost CFLs, while taking special care
to dispose of them properly 10 years down the road.
Gradually replace your old bulbs with LEDs that may last a lifetime.
Personally, I would choose whats behind door No. 3. Prices for LEDs are lower than
theyve ever been (and continue to get more competitive), and they are the most
durable, efficient home lighting option on the market. Its hard to argue against a product
that more than pays for itself in energy savings and might last for the rest of your life.
You dont have to make a huge commitment now. If you want, you can upgrade to more
efficient lighting one room at a time, or as old light bulbs burn out. Or start with installing
an LED light bulb in a hard-to-reach spot, like a cathedral ceiling fixture, since you wont
have to replace it for many, many years.
There is no right or wrong way to make the switch. But the sooner you do, the sooner
youll start saving.
In Conclusion
For me, I have decided to replace all the incandescent lights in my house with
CFLs at the moment. There are some fixtures which the CFL form factors do not
support (especially the small fixtures with the E14 sockets) which I am going to
continue using bulbs on.
LED bulbs though exciting dont offer the kind of light that I am looking for.
Plus the super expensive price point puts me off.
What do you guys think? Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences in
the comments below.