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.
autumn mckenzie
they use 85% less energy than normal bulbs!
Sheryl
I like the fact that they give off minimal heat. That is always a plus with touch lamps and 3 young kids running around! I would like to try these, but probably will wait a while for the price to drop.
Robin L
LED lights last up to 100,000 hours
Ron Miller
10% more efficient & no toxins
carla
Who could have imagined that if you installed one in the nursery it would last until your kid went off to college!?! That’s pretty cool!
Michelle Browett
I was shocked at how long they last and that pleasantly surprised that they don’t contain mercury. We have mostly CFLs in the house but have switched to mostly LEDs for the outdoor Christmas lights. I’d love to rid our house of mercury! I didn’t even know indoor LEDs were available. I’d definitely buy them!
Virginia
That they are more efficient and last a lot longer, 20 years or longer.
Jennifer S
I had no idea that CFL’s contained terrible chemicals but that led’s do not. Very interesting
Low
I didn’t realize they can last THAT long- up to 25 yrs! I’ll definitely buy them when the price comes down some.
Amanda
I learned that they are over 10% more efficient than compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL’s) which I love since there’s no mercury. I can’t wait until they come down in price more.
Mindy Ranck
I like the fact that they last a lot longer than the Cfl bulbs.
Patti
LED lightbulbs are energy effecient and uses 85% less energy
Eva T
I did not know that LED lights can last up to 20 years. I think we would start using these if the prices were lower. We haven’t started using these yet.
Marie
I didn’t know that LED bulbs do not contain mercury and other toxic material. Yes, I would definitely purchase, after learning this and the other great benefits, however I haven’t purchased for my home yet.
Kathy
Already have switched to some bulbs to try
HARRY LAM
LED is long life and less energy use
Lina
I learned that LED’s release energy in the form of photons. I don’t have any LED’s but I’d be interested in trying them for the ceiling lights.
Jennifer
I didn’t realize that there was an even better option than CFL bulbs.
Alice
I have been gradually replacing the bulbs in my house with led lights. Have been doing so for about 1 year now. I learned they last soo much longer! I can tell a difference in my electric bill since we have replaced the majority of them and also replacing the outdoor ones also. I love my LED lights!! I love the fact that they use 85% less energy and are much cooler to touch. Plus you do not have to worry about them burning out for a long long time!!
Erin Ringwald
Love the idea of a bulb lasting 18 years! Fun fact and great way to save money. Don’t have LEDs now, but have thought about it.
Amber
I will definitely use LED bulbs as soon as the price drops (or I can get a great deal on them!). I love that they use less energy, last longer, and have no mercury. Wow!
amanda
I learned they last a lot longer and are more efficient.
Sharon G.
Wow, the last 20 years or longer. Had no idea they lasted THAT long. I would buy them but not until the price came down. They are not in my budget for now or immediate future
suzie
If I put one in my child’s room, I wouldn’t have to replace any more bulbs until they reached college.
tnxns09 at gmail dot com
Sadie
LED lightbulbs last up to 100,000 hours
Angela
Learned that they last a LONG time and have no harmful materials in them! I’m totally interested in starting to use them!
Gail
I know Christmas is over, but I did find this out…”Not only are LED holiday lights 10 times brighter than regular lights they are also energy efficient using 90% less energy. Unlike regular Christmas lights which burn out easily or malfunction when one bulb is out, these LED lights will last more than 50,000 hours and will not be affected by any one malfunctioned bulb. More importantly LED Lights are cool to the touch and are safer. The smarter, safer and more energy efficient Christmas Light choice is clearly LED Lights.”
Ruth
LED bulbs last 20 years longer than regular bulbs.
Joanna @ FeedingThePrices
I read that you could install an LED bulb in your newborn’s room today, and probably not have to replace that bulb until your child is off to college- that’s crazy! We have a few in our house, but I know I need to change them all out.
Mariag
I read the article to my DH, amazing! Now if they could be cheaper! We do not like CFL because of the chemicals, so the led’s ones with no mercury are very good news. This is a great giveway!