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.
Jennifer
The best part, in my opinion, is how long LED bulbs last. We have two light fixtures that definitely need LED lights due to the difficulty in changing the bulb.
Shelly the Chic Crafty Chick
I learned “Longer lifespan and low maintenance helps you save energy and money as you invest in LEDs for your lighting needs.”
We have some LEDS and I’d like to try some more.
Megan
Longer lifespan and low maintenance helps you save energy and money as you invest in LEDs for your lighting needs. I love low maintenance.
Jennifer
The best part, in my opinion, is how long the LED bulbs last. We have two light fixtures that definitely need LED bulbs because they are a hassle to change.
Ray N.
Definately where we should be heading. Didn’t know there was no glass in them. But I would definately use them! Once they became a little more affordable in relation to other options
kate burne
They say you can put a led light bulb in your childs nursery and not have to change it until they go to college. I find this hard to belive but if its true I guess paying $17 for 18 years must be a bargain.
Mary
Wow ! I didn’t know that they could last 20 years.
Hollie
I didn’t know that LED bulbs came in so many different shapes, sizes and looks. Some of the looks of them are pretty cool compared to the old bulbs.
melanie
I learned that there is a huge variety of styles, sizes, and wattages of LED bulbs to choose from. These are so much better for the environment for so many reasons. Since they are so costly, I cannot replace all of the bulbs in my home at the same time, but I will replace one bulb per month until my entire house has only LED bulbs. Thanks for this very informative giveaway!
Wendy Nissen
They last 20 yrs longer
Nada
LED Nightlights are great to use all over the house. They allow you to walk down the all and you don’t need to turn on a light yet they use very little power.
Nikki Cross
I like that they won’t fade object near them. But most of all that they do not emit any harmful uv rays.
Nada
LED’s are being used now in TV sets so they draw less power than before too.
Michele
I haven’t switched to LED yet – we have CFLs in most of our fixtures. I like that they don’t contain mercury, so maybe as we finish what we have stored up, I’ll gradually switch over.
April Brown
I’ve been keeping a watch out for LED bulbs to become more mainstream and affordable. I’m really excited about them and would love to try them. From The Home Depot page, I learned the following under “How are LED products evaluated” in the FAQs:
Coal-fired power generation accounts for roughly 40 percent of the mercury emissions in the U.S.
Liz K
We just got some LED Christmas tree lights on sale after Christmas! While we don’t currently use any in our home, I’d be open to purchasing some.
The website said they last up to 20 years longer than incandescent bulbs, which is a definite selling point for me!
nancye6
These bulbs last about 20 yrs. and I don’t have to worry about mercury. I would like to replace my present bulbs with this bulb.
Tracey
They use 85 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs. They don’t contain mercury which was a concern of mine. I’m slowly but surely replacing the bulbs in my house. Thanks for the giveaway!
Jessie C.
I learned that High efficiency and durability are the most pronounced benefits of using LED lights. We’ve been using LED for years, love it!
MB
Can’t believe there is no glass in the LEDs
Jamie Yonash
I am very interested in the LED’s. I was surprised to see what they looked like…interesting designs!
margaret
I did not know that you could use them to create a variety of light tones and shades— without looking like your blue christmas tree lights. I might use them over those awful other new bulbs, but I like my good old bad for the environment bulbs best so far!
Laura
Nice to know they are more efficient than CFLs.
Hannah
How great would it be to never have to change another lightbulb as long as I live in this house? Great product!
Ashish
Amazing how efficient they are!
Laura Steiner
Saving money is always cool! We have started using LED light bulbs and can’t wait to see the savings on our electricity bill!
Kristi Dorman
I like that they do not produce as much heat as other bulbs! The fixture above our table gets so hot!
Krista Socie
I think its great that they don’t contain toxic materials such as mercury – the less toxins we can bring into our homes the better.
Bessie
I’m glad that they don’t contain mercury. I won’t use them until they are more affordable.
SHERRY BAKHTIAR
EcoSmart LED recessed light is a 65 watt equivalent for only 10.5 watts.It last 20 plus years and fits easily in existing recessed lighting cans.