Saturday, July 12, 2014

Tech review: The future is bright for LED bulbs — and your wallet

With the phase-out of traditional incandescent bulbs, the focus is shifting to compact fluorescents and LEDs.
CFLs have been around for a few years, and they're getting pretty cheap. But they have their drawbacks, including warm-up time, proper disposal and not being dimmable.
LEDs have technology and innovation on their side. I'm convinced that LED bulbs are going to be next big thing in consumer lighting.
Here's the cost breakdown for one 60-watt bulb:
With three hours of use per day, Cree 800-lumen LED bulbs ($10 from Home Depot) should last more than 22 years, and cost only $1.14 per year to operate.
Doing the math, one LED bulb will cost about $35 to buy and operate for 22 years.
Compare that with a 60-watt  ($2.60 from Amazon) that costs $7.23 per year to keep lit. It has a lifespan of just under 11 months.
Doing the math for electricity plus the cost of replacing 24 bulbs, using an incandescent in the same lamp will cost $221 over those same 22 years.
That's a $186 savings per bulb.
How many bulbs do you have in your house?
I can count 30 bulbs in my house, and that doesn't include flood lights outside. I bet most of you have at least that many bulbs.
Dropping $300 or more on LED bulbs isn't high up on anyone's list of fun things to do, but the quicker you start changing out your bulbs, the faster your savings will begin.

12 comments:

Unknown said...

I work in a warehouse, and we are considering a transition to LED lighting. The energy savings could really add up, but the cost of the installation might prohibit the switch. A commercial LED lighting specialist is coming to give us a quote today.

http://www.ariesenergy.com/our-services/lighting-retrofits.html

Unknown said...

There have been a lot of developments in the LED industry. As said, the costs speak for themselves. I knew it was good but I am surprised it is such a difference. A little over seven dollars a year sounds good to me.

Elisa Jed | http://crisptech.com.au/lumigen/shoplights

Unknown said...

Seriously?! Internet through LED? That is super crazy. Plus they are pretty energy efficient and it seems to be the technology that is being developed the quickest, at least in the lighting industry. According your post and my personal opinion, it will likely be a bright future for LED lights.

Gerald Vonberger | http://ledequipped.com/Light-bars_c2.htm

Unknown said...

Hello,

LED strip Lights! We got a couple of these to add to our band's stage lights. We use them more like accent lights. They're small and really affordable. We like them.

3W LED bulbs, IP65 waterproof LED

Automotive LEDs said...

We know that the world needs more light - but how this becomes reality is still very much undetermined. LEDs are transforming the nature of lighting by opening up new possibilities for how and where artificial light is used to enhance the human experience. HeadlightsQuick provide home lighting, automotive LEDs, you can choose from as per your requirements.

Ale said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ale said...

Anyone bright enough will get a led industry leuchte!

Sharmayne said...

I just read it now and I believe it is better late than never.. I will buy this kind of LED Bulb
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Unknown said...

it is less energy consumption and less money involve
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