so i've learned some more about the lighting situation, and it seems
like for all those out there scared of the trace mercury content in
CFLs, there's some new options out there. LED lighting has been in
use for quite some time now for low-light situations such as
decorative lighting, but now is becoming available in higher-power
models capable of producing 40W of lighting on 5W of power. and,
they last 50,000 hours. 50x longer than incandescent bulbs, half the
energy use of CFLs, no mercury.
only problems (that i know of):
cost - these are pricey still. a 40W bulb is almost $30
directionality - these bulbs aren't great for lamps as the project
light in a certain direction, not all around.
light intensity - i'm pretty sure 40W is about as strong as these
lights get right now.
at the moment i'd rather keep buying CFLs for a few bucks and just
handle them carefully, since i could light almost half of my
apartment with CFLs for the price of one or two LEDs.
BUT, where these lights will be entering my life is in the form of
christmas lights! you can buy strands of christmas lights with LEDs
instead of incandescents for about $5 more. you would pay off the
difference in energy in the few weeks of running them this holiday
season. i know home depot and target have a large stock of these
lights, and i'm sure there are more retailers out there who do as well.
be well and actualize change FOGS,
jimmy
1 comment:
I also know that each bulb does not put out as much light as a typical bulb
so one or two bulbs is not going to light up your room like you are used to.
However, they are great for task lighting, spot lighting, signs, Christmas
tree lighting, etc...
Of course, if you had enough fixtures in a room you could light it with LEDs
but it would take more outlets than usual.
Best,
Ferris
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