Have Affordable LED Light Bulbs Finally Arrived?

Thanks to a partnership between Lowes and OSRAM SYLVANIA, competitively-priced, energy-efficient light bulbs could be hitting hardware store shelves very soon.

When the compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) became popular a few years ago, it was a welcome alternative to the toxic, energy-sucking incandescent bulb used around the world.

The light emitting diode (LED) bulbs were fast on the CFL’s heels, and even though they’re more durable and efficient, many people have avoided upgrading to LEDs because of the high price.

In late November, the two companies announced plans to introduce what they say is the brightest LED replacement for America’s most popular light bulb, the 60-watt incandescent (Intelligent Energy Portal).

The SYLVANIA Ultra A-Line 12-watt LED bulb provides 810 lumens of light while using only 20 percent of the energy required by its predecessor and lasts 25 times as long as a conventional bulb.

Best of all, the current price of the A-Line LED is around $20 – a small price to pay for a light bulb that will probably burn for 20 years without having to be replaced.

The new SLYVANIA bulb is already available on Lowes.com and will be avialable in all Lowe’s stores by mid-2011.

According to Buildaroo.com, “Phillips is now selling a similar LED bulb for one penny less than Sylvania’s bulb. Philips’ bulb, called the Ambient LED, also uses 12 watts but gives off slightly less light than Sylvania’s.”

If you’re determined to stick with cheap and convenient CFLs for a little while longer, you should know that some manufacturers are attempting to branch out from the three generic designs you’ve seen in stores.

Read more: CFL, efficiency, energy, global warming, incandescent, led, light bulbs, lighting

Image Credit: Sylvania via buildaroo.com

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Ed G.

10:44PM PST on Dec 20, 2010

I agree and i looked at them briefly earier this year. The cost I was seeing was $39.99 a piece (special bulb). I would love to see them really come don in price. I would definetly switch over to them even if they were only as fe dollars more.

send a green star

Sheila D.

10:58AM PST on Dec 17, 2010

CFL's are proving to be unhealthy for some people, even if they do save energy. With long term use, they could prove very unhealthy for everyone. What are the long term problems associated with the new LED light bulbs? Does anyone even know? When I first heard about CFL's, I was happy to pay a little extra for something that would work well and was supposed to be good for the environment. I will consider buying LED's when I know a little more about them.

Cecilie D.

12:54AM PST on Dec 14, 2010

Please invent a car headlight which does not blind oncoming drivers. More and more people are complaining of over bright headlights. Even a new plastic jacket could cut down glare and the radiated dazzle effect.

Guy K.

9:46PM PST on Dec 13, 2010

It's about time that technology started saving me money!

Ratnadeep N.

5:45PM PST on Dec 13, 2010

They're expensive but I just bought a rechargable LED study lamp and I use a rechargable LED torch light . . . I like the little bluish hint in the light :)

Past Member .

2:37PM PST on Dec 13, 2010

Like em.

Pustic C.

1:49PM PST on Dec 13, 2010

I'm thankful I stocked up on incandescent light bulbs so I won't have to buy these stupid fluorescent and LED light bulbs.

Peter W.

7:56AM PST on Dec 13, 2010

We have LEDs in our kitchen, they were more expensive but have lasted a lot longer, but they have all blown at the same time and now I can't remember where I got them from because they aren't available from my supermarket - if we are encouraged to buy LEDs they should be readily available.

jane r.

7:52AM PST on Dec 13, 2010

thanks

Reka B.

2:56AM PST on Dec 13, 2010

thank you