LED, or light emitting diode technology, can be found all around us — in the glowing indicator lights on electronic devices, in traffic lights and exit signs. LED shows promise for becoming the best energy-efficient choice for general lighting in our homes. But the technology is still maturing and the cost, in many cases, is still high. Currently, compact fluorescent lights remain your cost-effective choice for savings in most cases. But there are LED options you can consider now.
LED advantages
- 75 percent to 80 percent more energy efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs; more efficient than CFLs, too
- Very long-lasting — up to 25,000 hours or more
- Rugged and durable
- Good for directional lighting like recessed can lights and track lights
- No mercury
- No infrared or ultraviolet light
- Cool to the touch
- Good color rendering
- Many are dimmable
LED disadvantages
- Not yet widely available
- More expensive to purchase than incandescent bulbs or CFLs, but prices are starting to come down
- Wide range in product quality
- Light output is currently limited to replacing up to 75-watt incandescent light bulbs
- Sensitive to heat, which can hurt performance and lifespan
- Heavier than incandescents and CFLs
Where can you use LED lighting today?
- Incandescent bulb replacements. Look for applications with longer operating hours to justify the higher first cost of LED bulbs. Typical high-use areas are kitchens, dining rooms, hallways, family rooms and outside porch lights. Choose open style fixtures and avoid enclosed ones that might let the LED bulb get too hot. Recessed can lights and track lights are great for installing reflector-style LED bulbs.
- Specialty residential applications. LEDs work well as step lights, nightlights, and task lights. Also look for LED strip lights to use under cabinets and counters. In addition, LED replacement kits for recessed can lights are a popular choice, especially when dimming is desired.
- Holiday lighting. Strings of LED lights are your best bet for holiday lighting. They use just a fraction of the energy required by standard C7 holiday lights, and they’re also much more energy-efficient than even mini-lights. They are very rugged and last for years. Stores are stocking more LED holiday lighting options every year.