Now that most people have accepted CFL light bulbs instead of traditional incandescent bulbs, a new technology, LED Lighting, is threatening to add a new wrinkle.

LED Light Bulb Advantages

LED Light bulbs are finally coming down in cost in large manufacturers like Phillips are  now making them. They use 90% less power than incandescent bulbs, which is even LESS than compact fluorescent light bulbs. (CFL) A 40 watt equivalent LED bulb uses only 7 watts versus about 8-10 watts for CFLs. LED light bulbs are also instantly on. These lights also render colors better than CFL, with Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 80 to 90, close to the 100 of an incandescent bulb. Efficacy is how efficient a light bulb is. LEDs are typically in the 54 range, while CFLs are around 60. Incandescent bulbs produce a low 18 on the Efficacy scale.

LED bulbs do not need as much air circulation as CFLs, hence they are better for recessed lights and other lights with little air flow. These bulbs turn on immediately and are cool to the touch.

LED Light Bulb Disadvantages

LED light bulbs are pricey because they are so complex. The LED drivers, heat dissipation, and power supplies make them more complex and pricey. Another problem with LED light bulbs is getting them to cast light in a shape that will illuminate your room. LEDs are point lighting sources that shine in only one direction.

Prices are currently high, but rapidly coming down in the last year. A 9 W LED light bulb is the equivalent of a 40 W incandescent bulb, but costs around $9.97. LED light bulbs cost an average of $1.50 a year for power, to operate, similar to CFLs.

LED Light Bulb Lifespan

They are rated for about 25,000 hours or 20 year life span! The estimate is based on three hours of daily use. One of the biggest measurements problems is measuring the life span of LED light bulbs. They do not burn out, they simply start fading. The current benchmark is called L70, which is the point at which an LED generates only 70% of its original output. They contain no mercury so they can be disposed of normally, unlike CFLs. LED lamps have many benefits.

Consider LED lighting when you need new light bulbs.

Energy Saving Bulbs, Green LED Lamp

Affordable LED lighting has now hit desk lamps. LEDs use less energy, almost upto 90% less than conventional bulbs. Each LED emits a small amount of light, so these lamps have multiple LEDs. Some lamps use newer warmer-colored LEDs and newer high power LEDs. High power LEDs use about 1.5 watts of power. Six of these would provide ample lighting for a desk and still use less than 9 watts of power. Amazon has LED lamp models as low as $8.50.

New LED based flashlights are also now available. Many used multiple LEDs to increase light output.

Be sure to read: Ways to Save Energy, Money on your Energy Bill

Full Spectrum compact fluorsecent light bulbs are now available.  These light bulbs produce a white light that produces a light spectrum similar to that of the Sun’s light. This type of light source has been use used to treat Sleep Phase Disorders, Seasonal affective disease or winter blues, and other conditions.

Look for bulbs with full spectrum on CFL bulb labels. They mimic daylight so they have a temperature rating of 5000K – 6500K.  Home Depot’s are called “Daylight Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs”. They do not cost much more.

This malady is finally getting more press. A recent article has additional tips on beating this syndrome. Light therapy, Dawn simulation, Negative Air Ions, Antidepressants, Behavioural Therapy, Vitamin D, Diet, and and Outdoor Exercise are therapies to help ease the Winter Blues.

Philips even has a new Wake-up Light with Dock for iPod

“Gradually wakes you up by light for a more pleasant feeling” Anything that makes waking up easier sounds good to us!

Costco has a PGE instant rebates on Feit Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs in any San Francisco Bay Area locations.

A 10 pack of 13 Watt bulbs (100 watt replacement) costs only $6.49

An 8 pack of 23 Watt bulbs (100 watt replacement) costs only $7.19

Several other varieties are avialable.