Are LED Lightbulbs Worth The High Cost?

see photosU.S. Energy Information Administration

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by Tim Parker

In order to get the government spending bill passed, on Dec. 16, Republicans agreed to put on hold the implementation of a bill that would require more efficient light bulbs which, in the minds of many, meant the end of the much loved (and cheap) incandescent bulb. Proponents of the bill were quick to say that the incandescent bulb would still be available but in a more efficient form, and opponents argued that consumers should decide what kind of bulbs they buy instead of Congress. (For other savings ideas, read Shopping Online: Convenience, Bargains And A Few Scams.)

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According to the U.S. Department of Energy, consumers did decide. Energy and Commerce Secretary Fred Upton said, �We heard the message loud and clear from Americans who don�t want government standards determining how they light their homes.�

Americans are clearly opposed to the bill, but is it time we unshackle ourselves from the old incandescent bulbs and embrace new technology, and will our wallets thank us?

Is the Light Still Weird?
If you remember when compact florescent light bulbs first hit the market, the light they emitted was, for a lack of a more elegant term, weird. It was kind of green but also kind of white. It wasn�t pleasing to the eye and as it warmed up, the light changed. This caused many to abandon the technology and go back to the incandescent bulb.

The new compact fluorescent bulbs are nearly indistinguishable from the old incandescent bulbs but once again, they�re being abandoned for the new LED light bulb. LEDs power the new traffic lights, flashlights and TVs but now they can power your home and the light is described as a soft white light similar to incandescent bulbs. (For other ideas on how you can refresh the feel of your home, see Quick And Easy Home Decorating On A Budget.)