You may well ask: Do LEDs now lead the way, light the way? You may also ask: Are CFLs out? Perhaps those of us who have not changed need to change and here are the reasons why.
It was not so long ago that I stood in the middle of the lighting aisle wondering which light bulb do I purchase. Which type is the most efficient? What about the range of prices being broader than the range of options.
There were all kinds of options ranging from incandescent bulbs which were cheap but wasteful, compact fluorescents (CFLs) supposed to be big energy savings, and LEDs were and are the most expensive. And this style of lighting can be harsh and overly bright. Yet again, our market has changed. The sustainable lighting picture is clear and to the point. LEDs have become the leading type while CFLs are becoming obsolete.
Lighting can account for approximately 15 percent of household electricity use. LED lighting is the best choice. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LED bulbs use around 75 percent less energy than incandescent lighting and can last 15 to 25 times longer. (That is quite a range in term of lifespan). This combination of longer lifespan with lower energy usage equates with lower electricity demand, fewer bulb replacements, and less waste over time.
The environmental benefits are also very important. CFL bulbs contain small amounts of mercury, a toxic metal, which requires careful handling and specialized recycling of the waste material after use. When CFLs break or end up in landfills, mercury can escape into the environment. In contrast, the LEDs contain no mercury, making them safer in homes and far simpler to dispose of.
As lighting technology has advanced. Early LED models used to produce cold, bluish light and could fail prematurely. Present LEDs offer a wide range of color temperatures, excellent color rendering and instant full brightness. The LED models are also compatible with smart control systems and dimmers. Simply stated, LED lighting save energy, last a long time, and avoid the toxic waste materials.
The CFL model was transitional technology. They offered major efficiency gains over the incandescent model but came with less desirable attributes such as a slow warm-up time, flicker, limited dimming capability, and environmental concerns. LEDs are now the most efficient and long-lasting lighting option on the market.
The greenest bulb is often the one you already own. There is no need for immediate replacement or upgrade. But when a CFL burns out—or when you’re upgrading fixtures—opt for an LED as the sustainable choice. Over the bulb’s lifetime, a single LED can prevent hundreds of pounds of carbon dioxide emissions compared with an incandescent bulb, as well as reducing household energy bills.
Lighting advice is simple. LEDs are efficient with a combination of plus factors such as performance, safety, affordability, and with excellent environmental benefits. So now you know. LEDs lead the light direction.
