Still not decided which incandescent replacement to go with? Since lighting our homes accounts for about one-fourth of our electric bills, new energy-efficient bulbs will save energy and heat while also saving money. But which is the right choice? The twisty CFL has become popular for its low price, efficiency, and recent improvement in light quality. But below are the 4 reasons why you should consider LEDs.
LEDs came to the market in 1962. At first, LEDs only emitted red light, so their uses were quite limited. Now, though, they’re dimmable and available in the visible, ultraviolet, and infrared spectra.
Benefits of LEDs
1. LEDs emit negligible heat. In contrast, incandescent bulbs release around 90% of their energy as heat, and CFLs release about 80% of their energy as heat.
2. LEDs don’t require diffusers or reflectors that trap light. This aids LED efficiency for most home or office use.
3. Long-Living: the same LED holiday string lights could still be perfectly usable in 40 years. They cannot burn out in the same way than incandescents or CFLs do.
4. Price: CFLs have dropped dramatically in price since they were first introduced to the market. LEDs have too, although they’re still more expensive. But the energy savings and versatility that LEDs bring offset any price difference.
Problems with CFLs
Many have expressed concern about the mercury present in CFLs, and with good reason: mercury is toxic to many organisms, including humans. The amount in a CFL bulb is quite small, but the mercury may become a long-term problem if they are not properly disposed of or if their volume increases significantly. CFLs break, leaving thin glass shards, and they are not dimmable. To maximize their efficiency, they cannot be exposed to heat for long periods of time.
LED: Bulb of the Present and Future
With their high-efficiency and absence of toxic mercury, LEDs are the future, although they’re not quite ready to replace every incandescent bulb. Look out for the ever-expanding innovations in LED technology. Soon, they’ll be the bulb of choice for all your lighting needs.
