LED Light Bulbs are Coming

LED Light Bulbs Are Coming!

They’re here. From the common incandescent light bulb, we’ve switched to compact fluorescents, otherwise known as CFLs. Now we’re headed towards another new technology, the LED light bulb for home use.

Why Change A Light bulb?

Obviously, the reason to change a light bulb is to star in one of the many light bulb jokes around. Jokes aside, changing from an incandescent light bulb to a compact fluorescent bulb will save at least $30 over the lifetime of the bulb. Yes, the CFLs cost more, but they are worth it.

But Don’t CFL Bulbs Contain Mercury?

One of the concerns about compact fluorescents is that they are actually hazardous waste. Although they pose very few risks when they are in the fixture, the bulbs do contain a minute amount of mercury. If a bulb breaks, a mask and gloves are necessary to clean it up. Windows need to be opened, and the bulb can’t go into the standard household garbage.

Light Emitting Diodes Are Already in Use

An alternative technology for lighting is coming. Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs are already in mass production for Christmas lights, with technology improving every Christmas season. They are also used in small appliances like flashlights. 

LEDs for the Home

Like the compact fluorescents of the past, LED bulbs are already available for use in home fixtures. They’re just not widely available. They come in a variety of color tones, but they are most available in white light. This light is similar to daylight, so it’s actually better for our eyes. LEDs act as useful directional lighting in the home. This means that the user needs to focus the light where it needs to shine.

The Benefits of LEDs

While compact fluorescents have a reputation for lasting a long time, LEDs beat them hands down. These new bulbs last about 100,000 hours, far surpassing the puny 8,000 hours of the CFL. LED bulbs also contain no mercury, reducing the health hazards when a light bulb breaks. And most of all, remember the $30 saved over the lifetime of the compact fluorescent? Changing from incandescent to LED saves even more – up to $30 per year.