Comparison Chart LED Lights vs. Incandescent Light Bulbs vs.
CFLs
Energy Efficiency & Energy Costs Life Span (average) Watts of electricity used (equivalent to 60 watt bulb). LEDs use less power (watts) per unit of light generated (lumens). LEDs help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and lower electric bills Kilo-watts of Electricity used (30 Incandescent Bulbs per year equivalent) Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) 50,000 hours Incandescent Light Bulbs 1,200 hours Compact Fluorescents (CFLs) 8,000 hours
6 - 8 watts
60 watts
13-15 watts
329 KWh/yr.
3285 KWh/yr.
767 KWh/yr.
Environmental Impact
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)
No
Incandescent Light Bulbs
No
Compact Fluorescents (CFLs)
Contains the TOXIC Mercury
Yes - Mercury is very toxic to your health and the environment
RoHS Compliant Carbon Dioxide Emissions (30 bulbs per year) Lower energy consumption decreases: CO2 emissions, sulfuroxide, and high-level nuclear waste.
Yes
Yes
No - contains 1mg-5mg of Mercury and is a major risk to the environment
451 pounds/year
4500 pounds/year
1051 pounds/year
Important Facts
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)
None
Incandescent Light Bulbs
Some
Compact Fluorescents (CFLs)
Yes - may not work under negative 10 degrees Fahrenheit or over 120 degrees Fahrenheit Yes
Sensitivity to low temperatures
Sensitive to humidity On/off Cycling Switching a CFL on/off quickly, in a closet for instance, may decrease the lifespan of the bulb. Turns on instantly
No
Some
No Effect
Some
Yes - can reduce lifespan drastically
Yes Very Durable - LEDs can handle jarring and bumping 3.4 btu's/hour
Yes Not Very Durable - glass or filament can break easily 85 btu's/hour
No - takes time to warm up Not Very Durable - glass can break easily 30 btu's/hour Yes - may catch on fire, smoke, or omit an odor
Durability
Heat Emitted
Failure Modes
Not typical
Some