LED Vs. Traditional Lighting

Energy Use

• LEDs are significantly more energy-efficient than either old-style incandescent or newer compact fluorescent bulbs. According to Design Recycle Inc., LED uses 6 to 8 watts of electricity to produce light equivalent to that of a 60-watt incandescent. Compact fluorescents require 13 to 15 watts to produce similar results.

Longevity

• Incandescent bulbs are known for their short lifespan -- about 750 to 2,500 hours according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Compact fluorescent bulbs, by comparison, last about 10,000 hours and LED bulbs last between 12,000 and 50,000 hours.

Cost

• Per unit, LED bulbs and compact fluorescent lamps cost significantly more than an incandescent bulb. Over the course of their lifespan, however, they tend to cost somewhat less. According to Purdue University, one factor in the cost of LED lighting is its sapphire substrate, which causes LED bulbs to cost at least 20 times more than conventional lighting.