Energy efficient LED light bulbs that can fit in a standard socket, last over a decade, and save users money over the life of the bulb, are starting to slowly trickle onto the market. This morning GE announced its latest bulb, and late last year Netherlands-based Lemnis Lighting announced its LED bulb that can replace a 60-watt incandescent. But the rub — both of these LED bulbs cost around $40 to $50. Here’s a quick cheatsheet on the metrics of the bulb:
| Bulb | Lifespan | Efficiency | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incandescent Bulb | Lasts about 1,000 hours, less than a year. | Most inefficient consumer bulb option, being phase out by companies and governments worldwide. | 50 cents to $1 |
| Compact Fluorescent Bulb (CFLs) | Lasts 5,000 to 6,000 hours 3.5 to 4 years | Uses up to 75 percent less energy than an incandescent. | Around $4 to $10 (for specialty bulbs) |
| LED Bulb | Lasts 25,000 to 36,000 hours, 17 to 25 years | Can be 75 to 90 percent more energy-efficient than incandescents. | $40 to $50 |
Image courtesy of Lemnis Lighting.
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