Just as we’re all getting used to compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), a new lighting technology based on light emitting diodes (LEDs) is coming to market. Should you care? Yes – they’ll save you even more energy and money -- and LEDs don’t come with some of the drawbacks that drive people crazy about CFLs.

LEDs may seem like a new technology, but you are already surrounded by them. They are used for the little indicator lights in electronic devices and are the light source for the screen on your cell phone. But more visibly, if you have bought a nightlight in the past couple of years, or a flashlight or booklight in the past year or so, chances are they use LEDs. And this year, LED Christmas lights were runaway best sellers, accounting for 25 – 50% of all Christmas light sales .

Now, the LED technology is spreading beyond these niches and the first products that can replace the typical bulbs that we use in lamps, recessed fixtures or track lighting are hitting the market.

What makes LEDs exciting?

• Save money, use less energy: 60 watt incandescent light bulbs are the most common type of bulb. A CFL uses 13 watts. LED bulbs coming out this year will use about 7 watts, almost half what the CFL uses. For a bulb that is used 4 hours per day, in the course of a year the LED will save over $12 vs the incandescent and about $1.50 vs a CFL. 
• Last for years: incandescents typically last for about a year-and-a-half. CFLs can last about 5 years. LEDs are expected to last 10 years or more under typical usage, saving money on and hassle in replacing bulbs.
• No warm up period: Many people I know hate the fact that CFLs are dim for a minute or so while they warm up. LEDs are more like incandescents in emitting their full light almost immediately when you hit the switch.
• No mercury or other toxics: CFLs need a few micrograms of mercury to work efficiently. But this small amount of this toxic substance is enough that they can’t be thrown in the trash when they burn out – another inconvenience many people don’t like. LEDs don’t use any toxic materials.

Does that mean you should go out and replace all your lights with LEDs right now? Probably not. Like any new technology, the first products on the market are expensive and have some limitations. Still, they will make sense for some of your lighting.

My next post will provide some tips on when to consider upgrading to LEDs.

Guest blogger: LEDGuy has been following developments in LED lighting for two years. You can learn more about the available products, the technology, and evolving market for LED lighting at his blog, http://ledlightsathome.com