LEDs: Where are they now?
If you've been hoping that LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs will soon replace your compact fluorescent and incandescent bulbs, brace yourself for more of a wait. LED technology holds enormous promise, but it probably will not be a widespread viable option for most consumers for at least a couple of years.
The list of benefits is long. LEDs are mercury-free, long lasting, durable, and they have the potential to be more energy efficient than CFLs. At the moment, though, the quality of the products on the market varies widely so you have to shop wisely. "I'm very excited about the potential LEDs offer," says Alex Wilson, president of BuildingGreen. "For the time being, consumers need to be very careful about products making claims that seem too good to be true about the energy performance of LED lighting products."
There are some quality products on the market today, but price is often a barrier. "It remains the Achilles heel of LED lighting," says Wilson. "It's going to be some time before the price comes down to be competitive with incandescent or compact fluorescent light bulbs."
For now, holiday lights are one of the most practical and affordable applications for consumers. "There is no more efficient way to produce colored light than with LEDs," says Alex Baker, lighting program manager for Energy Star. As prices continue to come down, he says, LED decorative string lights will be a no-brainer for consumers because the conventional versions burn out more quickly and use more energy.
LED technology also suits flashlights well. "Flashlights don't use a lot of energy," says James Brodrick, solid lighting program manager for the Department of Energy. The big reason to buy an LED version, he says, is that it won't break if you drop it and the batteries last for a long time.
Desk lamps, under-cabinet lights, and recessed downlights can all make good use of LEDs at this point in time.
Buying Tips
- Look for the Energy Star label. You'll find it on holiday lights. The program just started certifying other products in September so other LED lighting featuring the seal should appear on store shelves soon.
- Compare prices. In this case, you aren't looking for a bargain. "You get what you pay for," says Baker. "If you're getting an LED-based product and it's about the same price as an incandescent or fluorescent, chances are the quality is not there."
- Do your homework. The Department of Energy's CALiPER program writes extensive reports about the products it tests. Brodrick says consumers will get a lot of information from reading the first page of a report.
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