There will come a time when incandescent bulbs will no longer be available. Federal law mandates a phasing out of these bulbs, beginning in 2012. Compact fluorescent bulbs and LED lights offer viable alternatives to standard light bulbs, while providing both environmental and economic benefits. LED lights are built around light emitting diodes, a type of electrical conductor, as opposed to the metal filament that incandescent bulbs use. This difference helps increase the efficacy of LED lights.
Energy Use
The starkest difference between LED and incandescent bulbs is their energy use. According to EarthEasy.com, LED lights use up to 1/30th the energy of incandescent bulbs. In addition, batteries providing energy for LED lanterns will last up to 15 times longer. As Energy Star explains, most of the energy of an incandescent bulb is released as heat energy rather than illumination.
Longevity
The longevity of LED lights far exceeds that of incandescent bulbs. LED lights can last up to 22 years with three hours of daily use, estimates Energy Star. A long life incandescent bulb, on the other hand, lasts about 2,000 hours under the same usage. The longevity of LED lights can make them a more desirable solution for lighting needs.
Cost
In terms of cost, incandescent bulbs cannot be beat. The average bulb costs under $1 in most areas. LED lights can range anywhere from $9 on up. However, the high cost is deceptive. To determine its actual cost, consider the energy savings over the lifetime of the bulb. The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that lighting accounts for nearly 20 percent of American energy consumption. A switch to LED lights, therefore, can translate into significant savings over time.
Environmental Impact
The use of incandescent bulbs requires greater amounts of energy. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, fossil fuels provide nearly two-thirds of total U.S. electricity. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that fossil fuel emissions are the primary source of greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions have been linked to global warming. A switch from incandescent bulbs to LED lights can help reduce these emissions.
Lighting
Incandescent and LED lights differ in their lighting. Incandescent bulbs offer softer, yellow-tinted lighting. In comparison, the typical lighting of an LED bulb may appear harsh to some people. However, LED with warmer lighting spectrums are available. These are labeled with a Coloring Rendering Index Value of 80 for warm light, according to EarthEasy.com. You can enjoy the type of lighting you prefer while saving money and energy.
Member Comments