LED - The Future of The Light Bulb?

Nearly one fourth of all energy used in homes gos for lighting. This fact can be tied directly to the inefficiency of the incandescent bulb which converts only about 10 percent of the electricity they use to produce light, the rest is wasted as heat. Incandescents are definitely not energy saver light bulbs, yet are still in most households.

The compact fluorescent light (CFL) came on in the 80s as the energy solution to home lighting needs. CFLs do provide greater efficiency on two levels. The average 60 watt incandescent can be replaced with a 12 watt CFL and CFLs can last up to 10,000 hours according to their ratings chart. It is important to note that this rating is made by only switching off the CFL once every 11 hours, so if that's normal for your usage, then the hours stand.

The biggest problem with the CFL bulb though is the inclusion of toxic mercury in its production (a small amount of this chemical is used to increase the bulbs efficiency).
CFLs are still housed in glass and glass is breakable, should you break a CFL bulb even Energy Star (a large proponent of CFL technology) has a "to do" list that reads like a hazmat clean up.

So what's the real eco friendly bulb?

The energy saver light bulbs of the new millennium are light emitting diodes (LED). LEDs offer even greater energy efficiency than CFLs (one third better) and last for an average of 60,000 hours. Even if you left your lights on for half of every day, they would still last over 25 years, or longer than most people own their homes. You might never have to change another light bulb in your home.

LEDs are also of solid state design and this makes them tougher and more durable than any of their current competition. Best of all, LEDs use NO toxic mercury. The efficiency of LEDs can lead up to a reduction in home lighting energy use by as much as 90%. This is an excellent savings in money as well as green house gas emissions.

In terms of durability, I was recently at a green expo and watched an LED spokesperson drop an LED onto a cement floor over two dozen times only to plug it in and have it work just fine every time. Both the solid state inners and the metal housing made the likely hood of breaking this bulb very low.

LEDs do suffer from high initial cost right now, but even with the cost of the bulbs as it is they still save you considerable money on your electric bill while keeping your family and pets safe from any toxic chemical mishaps. LED prices will benefit from increased public support, just as CFLs did when they first came out.

If you're looking for energy saver light bulbs that are also family friendly and last for decades, then look no further than the LED. A simple change like the light bulbs you use in your home can start you on the eco friendly lifestyle; helping you save money and the planet at the same time.

LEDs are expensive right now, around $25 for an average household bulb and about $65 for a flood light style bulb, but the savings in electricity and longevity make LEDs cost effective even at today's prices. These prices are similar to what CFLs were when they first came out and as public interest increased; the prices decreased. You can be assured this will also happen with LED bulbs.