LEDs, or Light Emitting Diode bulbs are small, but extremely energy efficient. In the past LEDs were expensive therefore limited to single use items such as outdoor and indoor string lights. You may not know it, but many of the items in your home already contain them. Things such as alarm clocks (the numbers), remote controls (used to transmit information), light up watches, on/off light indicators on appliances, and sometimes mega sized television screens.

LEDs do not  contain a filament like ordinary incandescent bulbs, this means that they won't burn out, or get really hot. LEDs are made of semi conductor material, and get their light from the electrons that are moving inside.

They can also be colorful without the use of paint or colored filters like traditional bulbs. Colors include red, green, blue, white, and amber.

The Upside

They save energy. The bulbs will last for years, therefore energy and money is saved in use and replacements costs

They last forever . . . almost. Because they don't have a filament that will burn out. They last 10 times as long as CFLs and 133 times as long as incandescents.

Do not break as easily since they do not have a filament.

Perfect for use in places where the light will frequently be turn on and off because they don't take time to "warm up," they reach their full brightness in microseconds. Also great for flashlights and security lights.

They do not contain mercury.

The Downside

Cost - While their cost has gone down, and is continuing to do so, they are still more expensive than incandescents and CFLs. However, because they are so much more energy efficient, you will save money over time with use.

Light Range - LEDs are generally focused lights and are better for task related things such as desk and reading lamps because the light does not have a 360 degree range as a regular bulb would.

However, companies are making affordable and more wide range use LED bulbs. You just have make sure that you know what you are looking for when you buy them, and use the right bulb in the right fixture because LED bulbs require certain AC currents.

You can find some LED bulbs for household use on many websites and may be able to find a bulb at some stores. However, you can find LED lamps at most stores.

Share