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Quick Facts 
Affordability 
Cost Savings
CO2 Reduction 
What are LEDs- LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are small light sources that become illuminated by the movement of electrons through a semiconductor material.
- The heat from an LED is conducted through the back of the fixture, rather than radiated in all directions as with other light sources. The proper dissipation of this heat is key to effective LED performance in both fixtures and bulbs.
- LED light sources are inherently directional and do not require a reflector to direct light, offering increased energy savings in directional applications.
Benefits of ENERGY STAR-qualified LED Lighting- Reduced energy costs. LEDs use 75% less energy than standard incandescents.
- Long life – a minimum of 25,000 hours, or 25 years based on average household use
- Light comes on instantly when turned on
- Dimmable products don't flicker
- Fixtures come with a minimum three-year warranty — far beyond the industry standard.
- LEDs contain no mercury.
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LED (Light-Emitting Diode) lighting is an emerging technology that holds great promise to revolutionize home lighting over the next decade. LEDs have become a standard for holiday season decoration lighting, but now additional LED products have started to enter the market for common indoor and outdoor household lighting. Read editor Rob Klovance's review of GE's new 9-watt LED While some LEDs are already beginning to surpass the quality and efficiency of existing lighting technologies, such as fluorescent and incandescent, LED performance varies widely. AffordabilityLEDs are generally more expensive than other lighting options, but their excellent efficiency and extended life make them very cost-efficicent for certain applications. Cost savingsLEDs reduce energy costs, using at least 75% less energy than incandescent lighting. And they last a long time, a minimum of 25,000 hours, or 25 years based on average household use. That life span is about 15 to 20 times longer than incandescent lighting, and about three times longer than CFLs. Health & comfortThe most common LED light colour, white, produces a relatively soft white light without glare. Blue can also be popular, with some reports indicating seniors experience far less eye strain reading under blue LEDs than under incandescent lights. LEDs are also generally small and sturdy, and they do not contain mercury, a concern to some when considering energy-efficient compact fluorescent lighting. One drawback of LEDs has been the narrowly focussed beam, but some new products include clusters of LEDs and the use of diffusers that widen the beam and broaden application options in the home. Environmental considerationsThe big plus with LEDs is energy efficiency and the fact that they last so much longer than incandescents. They also last significantly longer than CFLs and don't contain mercury.
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What you need to knowNot all LEDs are created equalWhile some LEDs are already beginning to surpass the quality and efficiency of existing lighting technologies, such as fluorescent and incandescent, LED performance varies widely. Industry and Government testing has shown wide variability in performance of LED products, with some products not meeting the ratings listed by the manufacturer. Look for the ENERGY STAR label, awarded to select LED products that meet strict efficiency, quality, and lifetime criteria. The right LED, in the right application, is keyOnly well-designed LED products using the latest in LED technology, and applied in the right applications, will provide the energy, lighting quality, and long-life benefits of LEDs. Warranties & recycling of LEDsWith warranties typically between 6 to 10 years, ENERGY STAR-qualified LED bulbs can be returned by customers if they fail prematurely. Look at the bulb's packaging for details about the manufacturer's warranty. LEDs do not contain mercury and do not require special handling like CFL bulbs. Because LEDS are made of glass and plastic, recycling programs should become available as more LEDs become available on the market. Product Care's Recycling Program will be expanded to include LEDs as part of a relaunch scheduled for July 2012. For details online about light bulb recycling, visit Recycling Council of BC or LightRecycle. BC Hydro's roleAs manufacturers release new products and obtain the testing required to meet ENERGY STAR performance standards, BC Hydro will explore incentive programs to its residential customers. Read about the GE 9-watt LED featured with a Power Smart discount throughout May 2011.
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A look at an LED 40-watt equivalentEditor Rob Klovance tries out GE's cool new 9-watt LED.
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