LED (light emitting diode) bulbs have been used as indicator lights for many years, and have become popular as holiday lights because they do not get hot when lit and use a fraction of the energy that incandescent bulbs use. Only very recently have LEDs become an option as a replacement for incandescents in traditional light fixtures, however.
As many people are dissatisfied with the light provided by compact fluorescent bulbs, which can be harsh and blueish, manufacturers have been developing LEDs which can replace incandescent and compact fluorescent bulbs.
Cost of LED Bulbs
The cost of an LED light bulb varies widely based on brand, wattage, and type. It is possible to find simple, low-watt bulbs for under ten dollars. A comparable incandescent bulb would cost two or three dollars. Most LED bulbs are in the thirty to fifty dollar range, although manufacturers anticipate the price to come down as the technology improves. Some of the dimmable bulbs are over fifty dollars. Compared to a fifteen to thirty dollar dimmable incandescent or compact fluorescent bulb, this is a high cost for a single light bulb.
Lifetime and Energy Efficiency
LEDs burn out slowly by dimming over time rather than the sudden burn out of incandescent bulbs. They may have 35,000 to 50,000 hours of useful life, whereas a compact fluorescent has about 10,000 to 15,000 hours, and an incandescent bulb has 1,000 to 2,000 hours of life. Thus LEDs have a much longer life than other types of bulbs.
A 13 watt LED bulb produces the same amount of light as a 40 watt incandescent bulb. Most LEDs are more efficient than most fluorescent bulbs, although some fluorescent lights are more efficient. LED light bulbs in the home may reduce lighting costs by 80 percent.
Other Advantages and Disadvantages of LED Bulbs
LEDs have a wide range of color–more than either incandescent bulbs or compact fluorescents. They provide better light quality than most compact fluorescent bulbs, although they still do not provide the warm light found with incandescent bulbs.
LEDs do not have the light-up delay that compact fluorescent bulbs do. They light up immediately. They also do not contain mercury, a toxic metal which is found in all compact fluorescents.
Blue and cool white LEDs may exceed the limit of blue light that is safe for human eyes. When used outdoors, they also may contribute more to light pollution than other light sources because of the increased amount of blue light.
Anyone deciding how to light a living space must choose which type of light bulb to use. Each type has advantages and disadvantages, but there is little doubt that LED bulbs are at least worth their high up-front cost. Their long life and energy saving capabilities will save money in the long run.
Madeline Salmon - Madeline is a contributing writer for the Science & Nature and Plants & Animals sections of Suite101.com. She is a freelance writer with a ...
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