I’m sure you’ve all heard that one of the ways you can reduce your energy bill is by replacing your incandescent light bulbs with CFL bulbs, but if you’re like me, you’re probably also worried about the possible risks associated with doing so. CFL bulbs contain mercury, a neurotoxin that can cause kidney and brain damage, turning a minor mess of broken glass into a HazMat situation.
Because of this, we’ve been very hesitant to use CFL bulbs in our household, so I was very intrigued when The Home Depot contacted me about their new line of LED light bulbs. LED bulbs actually supply just as much light as traditional incandescent bulbs but use far less electricity — a whopping 85 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and up to 50 percent less energy than CFL bulbs.
I was also amazed to learn that LED bulbs an extremely long life expectancy that, 100 times longer than incandescent bulbs! Each bulb can last up to 100,000 hours or 11.42 years! I know we have several fixtures that are a real hassle to change, so my husband would be thrilled if he only had to do so every ten years or so.
More interesting LED facts:
- Replacing incandescent bulbs with energy-saving lighting options, such as LED lights, is a simple way to reduce your energy bills.
- Replacing standard light bulbs with energy efficient LED bulbs will bring you immediate savings on your electricity bill.
- In fact, innovative LED technology uses up to 85 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs, without sacrificing lighting quality.
- LED bulbs supply just as much light as your old bulbs but use far less electricity. In fact, the innovative technology uses up to 85 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs, and up to 50 percent less energy than CFL bulbs.
- LED bulbs also have an exceptionally long life expectancy that is 100 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Each bulb can last up to 100,000 hours, or 11.42 years.
Sounds great, huh? So you’re probably wondering what’s the catch. The bad news is this great new technology comes with a price tag that’s significantly higher than we’re used to paying for incandescent bulbs. Expect to pay about $17.97 for an LED bulb that’s a 40W equivalent.
However, the good news is that the price is rapidly coming down. In fact, just two years ago, a 60-watt equivalent cost $90 and a 100-watt dimmable bulb went for $360. Wow!
New legislation is requiring that most incandescent bulb production be discontinued by 2014, so it’s definitely important to start looking at other options. While the initial investment may seem steep, it’s important to consider the savings in energy coupled with the longevity of LED bulbs.
Next week I’ll take you shopping with me at my local Home Depot to purchase LED lighting for several fixtures in our house. But in the meantime, you can win a $50 gift card to The Home Depot!
To enter: Just check out the LED lighting page on HomeDepot.com and tell me one cool fact you learned about LED bulbs. Would you purchase LED light bulbs? Have you already started using LED light bulbs in your household?
This giveaway will close at 2:00pm EST on 1/13/11.
The Home Depot works with bloggers such as myself to conduct product reviews. They do not tell bloggers what to say about their products or how to say it. THD fundamentally believes that people should be free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. The Home Depot often provides product – free of charge – to bloggers for review as they did for this post. The Home Depot’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations.
Tina
No filament to burn out, it emits light from a chip!!
DJ
They produce minimal heat, which would be great as I have several bulbs in my kitchen!
Dinah
I like the fact they last so long. It seems like I am replacing lightbulbs all the time.
WendyW
I did not know that the life expectancy was up to 20 years longer! I use them where I can and love them.
Lavonne Hubbard
You could install an LED bulb in your newborn’s baby room today and not have to change it until your child went off to college. No I don’t have LED’s yet but plan too.
Paula
Our electric co-op gives out the CFLs as prizes and incentives to attend meetings, vote in elections ect so are slowly switching over. LED sounds great but initial cost is hard to get past. Guess I need to do a little research myself.
Lori Z.
I didn’t realize that LED bulbs don’t contain mercury.
Tammy L
I love that they last up to 20 years longer then incandescent bulbs!!
Lisa
No mercury- Yeah
Ruth Ann
I learned that LEDs can last up to 20 years longer than incandescants. 20 years is a long time.
I have not started using LEDs yet. But there are a lot of things I like about them and will consider them when my compact flourescents start dying.
Thanks for the chance to win!
Jen Fitzpatrick
I didn’t realize that they last a whole lot longer!
Randy
I jumped on the CFL bandwagon very early! Now that these use 10% less power, I will replace my CFL’s, since these last so much longer. I have had the flashlights for a couple years and really like them.
Marge Reeves
I recently had my home weatherized, and the company went through and changed out all my bulbs to LED bulbs, except for my 4 down lights and dining room chandelier. So I was surprised and glad to learn that they actually are making LED down light bulbs. As I run out of the regular DL bulbs I will be replacing them with LED’s. And yes, they fo make a difference in your lighting bill!
kristin morales
that incandescent bulbs will be outlawed by 2014…is amazing to me and the fact that they have only been on the market less than 50 years and already making a huge impact.
Susan
Never realized the life of the bulbs was so much longer. We haven’t tried these yet.
Tracy Glasser
I love that’s there’s no mercury to worry about. And LED’s use 85% less energy! Awesome!!!
Kerry
I learned that LED bulbs use 85% less energy and last up to 20 years longer than incandescent bulbs. Wow. I need to get some of those!!
alsatia23 at hotmail dot com
Danelle
I didn’t know that there is no filament to burn out so you don’t have extras on hand for emergencies.
Kristin Bray
That A LED bulb can last for over a decade with out having to replace! And they do not contain contain mercury and other toxic material! My husband has been using led lights for a while at his job he is a mechanic and all him and his Buddy’s swear by them they want every tool that offers a light to come in led! I would love to win this so update the lighting in my house to led! Hope i win!
Brittany Vaught
I thought they contained mercury, but they don’t! Awesome!
Jennifer H
They can last 20 years!!
dawn
So glad to learn more about these – the duration of 100 times longer than normal bulbs is fabulous! I’ll spend the extra money!
Sue
The savings over time….well worth it, and so much safer! Would love to get rid of the CFL’s.
Aubrey
They produce less heat!
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