CFLs vs LEDs

According to a recent study released by Consumer Reports, of the 90 percent of Americans who have made the switch from inefficient incandescent lights bulbs to energy and money-saving CFLs and LEDs, 75 % opted to purchase the former despite the fact that Consumer Reports recommended LEDs offer superior light quality, efficiency and have decades-long life spans. In addition, LEDs are mercury-free and don’t require time to warm up.

CFLs tend to be more popular with consumers because they boast significantly cheaper price tags than LEDs. Twenty-three percent of consumers surveyed singled out their price as an issue. The decrease in LED prices could reverse the trend . In just the last year, LED prices have went down by 20 percent while it’s anticipated that the price of standard 60-watt replacement LEDs will fall another $10 over the next two to three years.

Consumer Reports tested a total of 744 energy-efficient 60-watt equivalent light bulbs including LEDs costing between $25 and $60 and “fine, inexpensive” CFLs from companies such as GE, Feit and Sylvania costing between $1.25 and $18. Testers found that the top $25 LED of the bunch could potentially save consumers a whopping $130 in energy costs over the course of 23 years. The average 60-watt equivalent CFL bulb offered a not-too-shabby savings of $60. Consumer Reports singled out the Ecosmart A19 ($26) and the Philips Ambient LED ($25) as the best performing LEDs.