The Chic Ecologist

LED vs CFL vs New HEI Energy Efficient Incandescent – Lightbulb Shootout

With energy efficiency awareness growing, and new lighting technologies being developed at a rapid pace, which bulbs on the market offer the best value for the eco-conscious? With the more recent popularization of Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs due partly to their electricity savings and partly from huge discounts and government energy rebates making them more affordable, we ask the questions: which is the best value, which has the best life, which is the most eco-friendly, and which puts off the best light? We set out to put them all to the test.

Light Emitting Diode (LED)
Growing LED technology is developing one of the most energy efficient, long lasting and versatile bulbs in history. Already replacing traditionally incandescent automotive bulbs, flashlight bulbs, monitors and televisions, the LED is quickly becoming the new standard in eco-friendly efficient lighting. Household and commercial light bulbs are still in their infancy with very few and very expensive offerings that for the most part cannot compete with current bulb offerings.

Average Lifespan: 60,000 hours
Energy Consumption: 230 lumens / 7 watts = 33.9 lumens/watt
Average Bulb Cost: $54.00

Pros:

• Cool to the touch
• Available in several shades and colors
• Dimmable
• Very high color spectrum or temperature (closely mimics daylight) at 4200k
• Extremely long life
• good for floodlights and direct, focused lighting

Cons:

• Price and availability
• narrow focus of directed light (almost like a flashlight in many instances)
• still in early stages of development for home lighting applications

Best Bet: Use in as low output uses such as nightlights, accent lighting and for directed and focused lighting situations, especially in difficult to replace areas

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Tags: eco friendly, energy conservation, energy efficient, light bulbs, lighting, sustainable