FAQ: The End of the Light Bulb as We Know It

[Dog Walker]

Debbie, the LED's last much longer than CFL's and are actually cheaper to purchase in the long run as well as cheaper to run.

[Debbie Thompson]

Well, maybe, but how much do they save?  And how long does it take?  LED's cost about 6 times more than a CFL without a huge difference in wattage used.  (For a 60W incandescent bulb, CFL is 13 watts, LED is 9 watts.)  Home Depot. 4 pack of 60w is $6, or $.75 each.  4 pack of 13w CFL is $7 or 1.75 each.  One LED is $9.97. (Actually Homedepot.com says $12.97)  So LED is 13 times more than 60w, almost 6 more than CFL. 

How long does it take to recuperate the difference?  Will I still be alive?  Reason I ask.  Everyone thinks moving into an old house, you should replace the historic windows in the name of efficiency.  Do you know it takes 400 years to realize the savings?  400 years.   I replaced windows in two houses, not historic houses, but they had old awning windows.  I was so sure I would save money on my electric bill.  The window salesman was full of stories about how much I would save.  Know what I saved.  Nada.  Zilch.  No difference in my electric bill.  Ditto with replacing my window AC units with central.  Didn't save a dime.

So....not trying to argue here.  Just wondering how long it would take me to realize the savings in electric charges versus the difference between a $.75, a $1.75 and a $10.00 light bulb.  It's not simple math, but simple math would say the $10.00 bulb is roughly 7 times more efficient (9w vs 60w) but costs 13 times more.  The CFL fares better at about 2 times more, but 4 times more efficient.

Which is why I said when LED's come down like CFL's have, I'll be buying them.   :-)  At one time, CFL's were way more than they are now.

[Josh]

For 1000 hours of use, a 60W incandescent will cost ~$8.40 whereas a 9W LED will cost ~$1.26. The 13W CFL will cost ~$1.82. One thousand hours being 8 hours of usage for 125 days naturally, but you're getting close to washing out the difference in purchase cost at that point between incandescent and LED. That's with a kilowatt hour being $0.14, which is a fair estimate based on usage fees and taxes.

CFLs right now by-far represent the best bang-for-buck, whereas LEDs are the best bet for those looking to save, but also want the best lighting performance. Over the next few years, LED bulbs are only going to get cheaper, and the cost of kilowatt hours is only going to increase.

[Dog Walker]

LED's also last over 50,000 hours.  CFL's not so much.  How many new CFLs would you have to buy in 50,000 hours?

Debbie, you are right on about "energy efficient" windows here.  Maybe your energy savings would be more in Portland Maine, but not in Jacksonville.  We just don't have the temperature extremes between inside and outside like they do in colder climates.  Jacksonville, FL in winter; 32 outside 68 inside.  Difference 36 degrees.  Portland Maine in winter, 0 degrees outside 68 inside.  Difference 68 degrees.

You can put clear IR reducing film on your old windows and make them as good as the new, ugly windows for a fraction of the cost.

[Overstreet]

"The End of the Light Bulb as We Know It"

In the electrical world they are known as "lamps".

[Debbie Thompson]

Thank you, Josh.  You did the math for me.  So when LED's come down in price, I'll buy them.  I already converted to CFL's when the price came down.  Right now, I just have a problem with a $10 light bulb, unless it's an Edison style bulb for the antique light fixture in my dining room.  That, I'm going to buy.  Not so much for the table lamps I use a couple of hours a day, if that.  50,000 hours.  Hmm....that LED light bulb may outlive me.  Maybe not such a bad investment after all.  I can leave them to my grandchildren!  LOL

[Dog Walker]

That adds a whole new twist to historic heirloom lighting fixtures!