LED vs. CFL

I recently advocated to my condominium board that we replace some of our flood lights with light emitting diode (LED) flood lights. We currently have compact fluorecent lights (CFLs) that light our parking lot/alley. We have been energy conscience in the past and switched from incandescent bulbs to CFLs. At that time we saw a dramatic drop in energy consumption and costs.

During the winter, the cold temperatures really limit the light intentsity of the CFLs such that they produce very little light and lose effiency. My proposition was to use two LED floods on a trial basis.

At the end of the first month of use, our electricity bill dropped by approximately $25.00. That is by replacing two CFL bulbs of a total of seven bulbs. The reason for going forward on a trial basis is that LED bulbs cost approximately $60.00 a piece. The light expectancy is approximatley 50,000 hours (continuous use for almost 6 years!).

The light output in the winter is phenomenal compared to the CFL and the two bulbs will pay for themselves in approximately six months.