Incandescent light bulbs have been the go-to choice in homes and businesses for years. But advances in technology, namely the LED light bulb, should make you rethink your choices when it’s time to replace a blown out light.
So what’s the difference?
Incandescent bulbs produce light by heating a filament until it glows. These are cheaper than their LED cousins, but they’re also highly inefficient. Only about 10% of the energy they use ends up as light while the other 90 percent is lost as heat (which you know if you’ve ever changed one immediately after it stopped working).
LED (light emitting diode) light bulbs use a semiconductor to convert electricity into light. This is a more efficient process, and they last longer than traditional bulbs. LED bulbs last between 50,000 and 100,000 hours while standard units generally last about 1,200 hours. The down side, of course, is a higher upfront cost.
Why should you switch?
Lower Electric Bills — Higher energy efficiency LED bulbs can reduce electricity consumption by up to 80%. Imagine how quickly that adds up in 15 or 20 light bulbs around your home or office.
Replacement Costs — Since they last 10 to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs, you don’t have to buy LED light bulbs as often as you would the incandescent ones.
Reduced Cooling Costs — Remember that bit about incandescent bulbs putting out a lot of heat? That can make your air conditioning work harder to cool your home in the summer. LED bulbs won’t do that, which helps to keep your indoor spaces comfortable and your cooling costs lower.
Saving the planet — In addition to the financial considerations, LED bulbs consume less energy than standard bulbs and don’t contain harmful substances like mercury, which is commonly found in some other types of bulbs.
So, consider swapping out those old light bulbs for some sleek LED ones. Your wallet, and perhaps even the planet, will thank you.
