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.
Amy A.
I like that they produce minimal heat…and of course that they are super efficient. We have bought any yet, but hope to soon!
Jackie
I am happy to learn that LED bulbs last so much longer, 100 times longer, up to 11 years. That is amazing. I feel like I am always buying new lightbulbs for my kids nightlights, but the LED bulb nightlights I have are still going strong and I have not had to replace one yet.
Melissa
LED’s are dimmable.
heather
I like that these bulbs don’t have mercury or other toxic materials! I would buy these but not until the price is right.
Matt K
I learned that LED lightbulbs use no glass whatsoever. I would definitely purchase LED lightbulbs for my home, and though I haven’t started yet, I’d like to slowly start replacing my CFL bulbs with these over the coming months.
Patricia
The one cool fact I learned was how long LEDs last–according to the website, if I put one in my newborn’s nursery, I might not have to change it until he went off to college! Sounds good to me!
Jess T
I didn’t know LED bulbs can last 20 YEARS longer than incandescent! I’d be willing to try LED bulbs if they came down in price. For now I’m using CFL.
michelle
I learned that they last 100 times longer ~ so really the cost is soooo worth it!! Would love to win some of these!!
Thanks,
Erin
I never realized LED lights last up to 18 years. That’s amazing. I’ve never used them because they tend to be a harsh light.
Tara L
I did not know they use LED lights in traffic lights red/green
M
Yes, We have been using LED in our 12v light fixtures supplied by a couple of home made Solar panels. We had to import our LED bulbs as there were non available in the market a few years age. Yes we have been enjoying the saving and will not go back to any other bulbs. The downsize: cannot predict the brightness, can diminish over time, sometimes needing to be replaced with in a year. Then again, perhaps now they have better quality.
Shannon
I think it is really neat that you can buy led lights for recessed lighting! We just recently renovated a house and we put in recessed lights in the kitchen and basement. I wanted to go with an energy saving bulb but I couldn’t find any for recessed lights. Because all of our recessed lights are on a dimmer switch they all turn on at once! I can’t wait to try these bulbs out to save on energy costs!
Terri
They “said” that CFL bulbs last longer but I’ve had two go out in the last six months with very light usage (pun intended). My regular light bulbs last WAY longer. Seems to me that this could be yet one more way a mfgr can charge consumers more money for new technology, only to find that the product really isn’t any better than what we were using before.
Liz Taylor
I have to agree Terri. I replaced all my kitchen can lights with the expensive CFL’s. My enegy “savings” were quickly “snuffed out” by having to replace them. I hope these bulbs have a better track record.
Tara L
I did not know they use LED lights in traffic lights.
Mikki
I did not know that they do not contain mercury. We used LEDs on our Christmas tree!
Sarah K.
LEDs don’t contain mercury, CFL bulbs do. Your Christmas tree is fine!
Sapna Anath
I love the LED bulbs and i just learned that they are more energy efficient. I am currently not using and would love to buy for my home once i win this Gift Card :)
Shannon
I think it is really cool they make a bulb for recessed lights. All of our recessed lights in our kitchen are on a dimmer so they all go on at once. I would love to have energy saving bulbs in them!
Tara L
I did not know they use LED lights in traffic lights. I currently use LED christmas lights.
Anna B.
I was amazed to learn that LED bulbs come in so many different sizes and shapes! I will definitely have to look into replacing my incandescent bulbs with LED.
colleen
I just started using led bulbs and I love the fact that they don’t contain mercury and other toxic materials.
Terri
It’s nice that they are dimmable without humming or buzzing. We have some incandescents that are pretty loud when dimmed. We use CFLs as our incandescents go out but haven’t tried LEDs yet.
Nikki C
I didnt know that they were mercury free! Thats such a relief to me with a toddler in the house! :) We’ve been using the LED lights at Christmas for the past two years and I love them!
M
Yes, we been using LED light bulbs for our 12v fixtures which are supported by home made solar panel. Yes we been enjoying the savings and will not go back to the energy sucking bulbs. The downsize: cannot predict the brightness, can diminish over time needing replacement. Then lets hope that they have improved on quality.
Tina W.
I was really interested to see the smaller sizes on the site – we’ve been looking for options to replace our smaller fan lights. And it would be wonderful have light bulbs able energy efficient, nontoxic and last that long!
Andrea Watts
I found out that they do not contain mercury. I have purchased some and will buy more.
KLew
LEDs are the future of lighting! I love the fact they are 85% more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs. Currently, the only thing preventing me from replacing my CFLs with LEDs is the price. This year, we decided that if we needed to buy new christmas lights, then we would definitely buy LED. We didn’t end up needing new lights, but my friend bought some, and they were gorgeous! I have a few LED flashlights and they really do last forever!
Brian
LED’s use 85% less energy!
Tracy
Bought some LED christmas lights this year
Tisha Mondy
I learned it has a chip in it, which in my opinion is scary. Technology I tell ya. We have already replaced a few bulbs with these new ones. :)
Allen Small
I’m happy to see that they do not contain any mercury. I think that is the biggest draw back to CFLs and it is one of the reasons why I choose not to use them.