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.
TIM
I learned that high efficiency and durability are the most pronounced benefits of using LED lights. I would buy them if the cost is not to great. We have not used any in our home.
Rebecca
As a computer geek, I’ve known about LED’s for a while. We use LED Christmas lights. However, I was surpised the other day when my husband came home w/ LED lights for our dining room. (The candle style) I am excited about these, but before we put them all over the house, I’ll need something brighter than 60W equivalent! All the lightbulbs in our house are 100W minimum, some even 150. Hopefully that’s next. I would pay a bit of a premium to get the CFL bulbs out of my house.
Robin
I learned that most LED bulbs come with a warranty if the bulb malfunctions. I am interested in LED lighting, but I don’t have any yet in my house.
Deborah
85% less energy and last 20 years longer…SWEET!!
We have the CFL bulbs in our house and I am not a fan. I would love the try the LEDs but the price is holding me back.
Sharon
It is good to know that LEDs has a high level of brightness and uses less power than the regular bulbs.
I also like the fact that LEDs last up to 100,000 hours which is 100 times longer than the regular bulbs.
Tana
I learned that there IS an option to the hazmat CFL’s (which I’ve refused to buy). I like that they don’t get hot like regular bulbs, they’re not very attractive, and also that they’re still kinda expensive but are coming down in price.
Cady Sexton
LED bulbs use 85% less energy and do not put out heat. My CFL bulbs to put out A LOT of heat! Fine in the winter but a huge drawback in the summer.
Beth Radesic
I like that they last up to 100,000 hours-Wow!!
Michelle
I cannot believe they can last for 20 years. Amazing! I have LED icicle lights outside for the holidays. They are so much brighter than the other lights.
Amanda
LEDs don’t contain any glass, filaments, UV light, or mercury, so they’re safe for my family. We don’t use them yet, but I will definitely make the switch as soon as the price comes down a little more!
jen
Last 20 years!!
Maureen
I knew LED bulbs last long, but didn’t expect them to last from your infant’s birth till they would go to college. Incredible!!!
Theresa
LOVE the no mercury and that they last so much longer! I have been doing a little looking into them and if my local HD is now carrying them I will be shopping there soon!
Thanks for this great tip!
Tracy K.
I’m impressed by the fact that they use so much less energy. I bought LED Christmas lights and they don’t heat up at all. We always have a real tree and that fact kept my mind at ease this past holiday season!
Jamie
This lights save energy and they seem to last longer to me. I will definitely buy more, I already have some that are being used in my house!
Lisa
They use 85% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last up to 20 years!
ELOISE
If you use a LED bulb in your nursery, chances are that you probably wouldn’t need to change the bulb again until your child goes to college!!! That’s amazing and awesome! I haven’t used LED bulbs before but I will definitely start now!
CJ
They reduce electricity bills and can last 11 years. I’d like to try them but wouldnt pay $17 per bulb at this time.
Karen
LEDs do not contain glass, filaments, UV light, or mercury.
Audrey
They are over 10% more efficient than CFL’s. We have begun using LED lights in the house in the last year. My husband is addicted to them.
Shawnna householder
I learned that the don’t give off heat. Also they do not contain mercury which makes me feel safer. We currently have a mix of incandescent and cfls
Carrie Conley
Not only are they long lasting….they are ecosmart also….No….I dont use them yet…but I would purchase them….
Wendy
I really had no idea about LED light bulbs & fascinated that they are 100 times longer than incandescent bulbs & that they use up to 85 percent less energy . I switched to LED Christmas lights this year & absolutely loved the colors & the fact they never even got warm.
Lauren
LED Bulbs use 85% less energy and last up to 20 years longer than incandescent bulbs
Amanda
They last 20 years longer? That’s amazing! I hadn’t even thought about switching, but maybe I should.
Becky Baird
We want to get some but they are expensive. I love that they don’t contain any mercury. Which I hate those bulbs for having, especially in a house with kids. I feel like I need a bio-hazard suit to clean it up! I also like that LED bulbs are 10% more effective than flourescent bulbs.
Stacey K
I like that they don’t they don’t contain mercury and other toxic materials.
sheri
I did not know that they didn’t contain mercury! That is great!
Joanna
LEDs are the future of lighting. I hope I win!
Melissa
We only have CFL lightbulbs in our house right now, but when those go out we will probably look into LED ones. I like that they have an instant light, whereas with CFL they take a while to reach full brightness.