One can barely fail to notice the change from incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent lights. Perhaps very essential is the development of LED lighting which is less hazardous for the environment and considerably less expensive over the life of the bulb. LED bulbs last longer than any other type of lighting and they use up only a fraction of the electrical power which other forms of illumination perform.

Investigation funded by the US Army Research office has learned a way to improve both lighting and stability. LED lights employ a gallium nitride film in creating the diode that produces the light. A completely new technology, developed in North Carolina, lessens the defects in the film substantially. Additionally, the new film enables the diodes to produce more lighting – up to twice as much.

The deficiencies are removed by deliberately setting a void within the film. Defects in the crystalline composition of the GaN film are drawn to the voids, avoiding them from running through the overall thickness of the product. Including the voids decreases the quantity of defects by 90%.

The Future Looks Bright

This invention is expected to help trim down the price of LED bulbs in the next 5 years. By strengthening production, waste will be diminished; less waste equals greater profit potential for fewer supplies, and a commensurate reduction of cost.

It is a bit tough to swallow the idea of paying close to $20 for a single light bulb, especially after ages of seeing incandescent bulbs maintain $1 a piece. CFL bulbs are cheaper, but they aren’t problem free either. The mercury within each bulb may be minimal, but crack one in your home and clean up is a trouble, and those that make it by way of trash collection inevitably break in landfills, making a potential ecological disaster. LED lights may cost you more up front, but the pay off is crucial.

Looking at the Overall Costs

When you look at the price of a light fixture you have to think about bulbs and electrical power. Breaking down the costs of incandescent light bulbs, CFL bulbs and LED bulbs, you obtain the following analysis, based upon an anticipated cost per KWh at $0.13 – the nationwide average.

Expecting 6 hours of service daily for a single 60 watt bulb or its counterpart and estimating 60,000 total hours of use, and an acceptable lifespan for a LED bulb, the numbers are as follows. Operating and supplying incandescent bulbs would charge $482.61, the CFL bulbs $119.52 and then the LED bulb, $96.80. Imagine how those financial savings would add up if you convert the majority of your bulbs from incandescent.

Ways to Get a Bit More for Your Money

The price differential is clear; LED bulbs are the most cost effective, although CFL bulbs are a relatively close second. LED bulbs have the advantage of not containing any mercury, which makes them worthy of serious consideration. To get the best LED bulbs start by selecting Energy Star products.

Purchasing Energy Star compliant bulbs will reduce your energy use per light bulb by at least 75%. The bulbs work on standard dimmable switches, don’t split easily, are guaranteed for three years and expected to last up to 22 years with continuous application.

Call your local power company and ask if they are offering any refund programs to people who buy LED bulbs.

Get on the web and order bulbs directly from the makers if you can. They are often more affordable than those sold at home supply stores or supermarkets and the assortment is more complete. Finally, try to remember that acquiring LED lights is a long term investment – it will eventually pay off.