LEDs ready for primetime in your home? on clarkhoward.com

Clark is something of a pioneer when it comes to jumping on home lighting trends. He was an early adopter of CFLs (compact fluorescent lights) and gladly suffered through early product glitches because the cost of operation was only one-fourth that of a traditional bulb.

Common criticisms of early CFLs included that the lights took too long to come on when you flipped the switch; that they contained (and still do) trace amounts of mercury; and that the light they cast made you look sickly!

But the consumer champ has long said that CFLs would only be a transitional technology until we get to LEDs (light-emitting diodes). LEDs use 6% of the electricity used by a traditional bulb and last from 15 years to a lifetime. They cost a fortune at the moment -- $7 per bulb -- and Clark has bought some multipacks at Sam's Club. Thankfully, the cost of operation is 3 cents per month; that's just 38 cents annually!

The real problem with LEDs in Clark's opinion? The light they cast is a way out there sort of bluish tint!

What others are saying

LEDs
It always amazes me how people will guage the state of an industry such as LEDs on the 7.00 Sams special. There are a lot of good offerings up and coming, but they are many times what you'll pay for crapperware. However,
they will last and the Sams bulb won't. they're also not a bluish cast.
If you're going to use the Sams pack, might as well buy some cheap chink christmas lights while you're there. They also are made with the lowest of the low LEDs that are blue, not white.
By Zulu @ 10/22/09 01:21:13 AMreport abuse
Advances in LED lighting
I work in LED lighting industry and the technology has come quite a way. There are all different "color" white LEDs available. From cool bluish tint to the more familiar warmer yellower look of the traditional incandescent bulb. This is rated in Kelvin and the lower the number, the warmer the color. A 6500-7000 and above have a very bluish tint. The warmer color is more around the 2800-4000 range. We make a large amount of LED light engines for commercial applications and the energy savings are enormous. For all of you that say you don't like LEDs, you are getting the latest and greatest best design for the right application. LEDs have a directional downward light of around 120 to 130 degrees that can be modified with optics or different types of reflectors.
As some have mentioned, the LEDs are going to be taking over the lighting industry. It is very important that if you are going to buy LEDs that are from the top manufacturers that have a proven track record such as Philips, Cree, and Nichia. I have had some of our fixtures burning for five years non-stop without any problems what-so-ever. You have to properly design the use of the LEDs to control the junction temperature. The LEDs generate heat out the back of them and this has to be dissipated correctly. There are too many China companies that are producing LED lighting with inferior components that are giving the industry a bad rap.
If you would like any technical information please feel free to Email and I can help you out. Here is my personal Email because I do not want this to seem like a business pitch dondeziner@msn.com. A lot of the major lighting companies are seriously spending a lot of time and research dollars to improve this technology and make it affordable. This will drive a tremendous drop in global energy usage for lighting.
By Don @ 04/14/09 12:31:15 PMreport abuse
Maynex LED Bulb
I see a website that will sell a $56 LED bulb for just $1 (maynex.com), but you must pay down on it now until your light goes dark. I believe its a good deal as it would cost less when I really need it
By Tia Thompson @ 02/24/09 08:08:09 PMreport abuse
LED's
I work in an industry that develops LED technology for flashlights. LED's come in various qualities, the likes of what you are describing being the lowest. Rest assured that you will see LED's most everywhere in the next 2 years that will last longer than your youngest child. Not enough illumination from your LED flashlight? Please visit 4Sevens.com and we will be glad to introduce you to blinding technology. Oh - we're in the Atlanta area
By Vince Tidwell @ 02/23/09 10:15:14 AMreport abuse
Led bulbs
I paid $29 for one Led bulb and it lasted eight months.
By Michael Fisher @ 02/11/09 03:48:52 AMreport abuse
$2.85 LED bulb that last 60 years
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/Solid-State-Lightbulb-Government-Economy,news-3405.html
By Paul @ 02/03/09 02:22:55 PMreport abuse
Not all LEDs are created equal
I know the product he is talking about, and they are very disappointing if you think of them as a light bulb replacement. They use clusters of low-power indicator type LEDs.

This type of LED is great for lighting up buttons and letting you know something is charged, but terrible for real lighting.

There are LED products that generate good light, but they are far too expensive to justify home use. Right now, reflector type lamps are the only ones with real replacements, but they approach $100 each for the really high power ones. These types use several high power LEDs, and most of these LEDs cost several dollars PER CHIP. Thus, they are usually reserved for applications that you REALLY don't want to change for a while.
By Austin @ 01/31/09 05:09:31 PMreport abuse
L.E.D.'s
Also, these bulbs are polarity sensitive devices that will work on a.c. but will produce flicker for some folks unless a "full wave" bridge rectifier is used. The difference is that half wave will produce 60 pulses of light per second. Full wave will produce 120 pulses of light per second. Rectifier diodes have a "PIV" rating or peak inverse voltage. they are probably cheaping out on the manufacturing end and using cheap low PIV rectifiers. Anything I engineer is pushed 100% past the normal ratings so long life is assured. It doesn't take that much more in terms of cost to engineer reliability into a product. Any rectification problems are poor design.....period.
By Jerry @ 01/29/09 03:33:20 AMreport abuse
Light emitting Diodes
Some means of measuring light out put in lumens or in the old system of "foot/candles" needs to be devised for these L.E.D. lamps. I have a theory for what I feel is a better way to make L.E.D. lamps. If what is being used are the so-called "white" L.E.D.'s, they are about the color of daylight but will need some engineering to get it right.
By Jerry @ 01/29/09 03:21:51 AMreport abuse
LED's
My only complaint is the life of the bulb. The LED bulbs I have purchased are burning out at twice the rate as regular bulbs. Does anyone have a particular brand that they have good luck with?
By Tina @ 01/28/09 12:35:38 AMreport abuse
LED's Bulbs From Sam's Clubs or Wal-mart
I bought the same lights about 6 months ago. I had 80% of them burn out and what was left dimmed down to half as bright after 3 months. The problem is the AC comvertor weakens and burns out.
By Billy @ 01/27/09 11:05:17 PMreport abuse
LED's
I agree that LED products are still in their infancy, however, they can be extremely bright if they are designed well and they have only recently developed an LED that produces actual white light and not the bluish tinted white. It will only be a matter of time before they are as conveniently priced as regular lights and will look as natural as regular light. I think they're awesome.
By shafaa @ 01/27/09 08:51:17 PMreport abuse
CFLs & LEDs
I am very much opposed to CFLs for a variety of reasons and started stocking up on the regular light bulbs when I thought I wouldn't be able to get them any more. I've not tried the LEDs but if these comments are valid, they don't sound that great.
By Laura @ 01/27/09 07:44:49 PMreport abuse
LEDs
It is my understanding that most ALL CFLs are made in China. If the LEDs are made in the US, it could help our balance of payment problems as well. Does anyone know where they are being manufactured?
By Tom @ 01/27/09 07:10:41 PMreport abuse
Nightlight
Have you tried some of the latest night vision goggles? They might trip you out!
Lot better than the old starlight scopes.
By Grandpa Gene @ 01/27/09 07:04:06 PMreport abuse
LEDs
Next thing you know the nut jobs in Washington are going to pass a law demanding that everyone by LED lights because it is the green thing to do. I am so tired of the environmental nuts I could scream.
By Buzz Gee @ 01/27/09 06:39:39 PMreport abuse
LED Lights
I tried the lights myself and had to replace them shortly after trying them. Cant see that well with them. They are just terrible, would not recommend them.
By Jack @ 01/27/09 05:25:22 PMreport abuse
LEDs
I hate LED's, I hope that's not all we will be offered for light bulbs. I bought a closet light with LED's, can't see a thing in the closet. I have a flashlight, can't see a thing, I have a reading light for books, can't see a thing. Boo!!
By Pat @ 01/27/09 03:21:57 PMreport abuse

LEDs

It always amazes me how people will guage the state of an industry such as LEDs on the 7.00 Sams special. There are a lot of good offerings up and coming, but they are many times what you'll pay for crapperware. However,
they will last and the Sams bulb won't. they're also not a bluish cast.
If you're going to use the Sams pack, might as well buy some cheap chink christmas lights while you're there. They also are made with the lowest of the low LEDs that are blue, not white.

By Zulu @ 10/22/09 01:21:13 AMreport abuse

Advances in LED lighting

I work in LED lighting industry and the technology has come quite a way. There are all different "color" white LEDs available. From cool bluish tint to the more familiar warmer yellower look of the traditional incandescent bulb. This is rated in Kelvin and the lower the number, the warmer the color. A 6500-7000 and above have a very bluish tint. The warmer color is more around the 2800-4000 range. We make a large amount of LED light engines for commercial applications and the energy savings are enormous. For all of you that say you don't like LEDs, you are getting the latest and greatest best design for the right application. LEDs have a directional downward light of around 120 to 130 degrees that can be modified with optics or different types of reflectors.
As some have mentioned, the LEDs are going to be taking over the lighting industry. It is very important that if you are going to buy LEDs that are from the top manufacturers that have a proven track record such as Philips, Cree, and Nichia. I have had some of our fixtures burning for five years non-stop without any problems what-so-ever. You have to properly design the use of the LEDs to control the junction temperature. The LEDs generate heat out the back of them and this has to be dissipated correctly. There are too many China companies that are producing LED lighting with inferior components that are giving the industry a bad rap.
If you would like any technical information please feel free to Email and I can help you out. Here is my personal Email because I do not want this to seem like a business pitch dondeziner@msn.com. A lot of the major lighting companies are seriously spending a lot of time and research dollars to improve this technology and make it affordable. This will drive a tremendous drop in global energy usage for lighting.

By Don @ 04/14/09 12:31:15 PMreport abuse

Maynex LED Bulb

I see a website that will sell a $56 LED bulb for just $1 (maynex.com), but you must pay down on it now until your light goes dark. I believe its a good deal as it would cost less when I really need it

By Tia Thompson @ 02/24/09 08:08:09 PMreport abuse

LED's

I work in an industry that develops LED technology for flashlights. LED's come in various qualities, the likes of what you are describing being the lowest. Rest assured that you will see LED's most everywhere in the next 2 years that will last longer than your youngest child. Not enough illumination from your LED flashlight? Please visit 4Sevens.com and we will be glad to introduce you to blinding technology. Oh - we're in the Atlanta area

By Vince Tidwell @ 02/23/09 10:15:14 AMreport abuse

Led bulbs

I paid $29 for one Led bulb and it lasted eight months.

By Michael Fisher @ 02/11/09 03:48:52 AMreport abuse

$2.85 LED bulb that last 60 years

http://www.tomsguide.com/us/Solid-State-Lightbulb-Government-Economy,news-3405.html

By Paul @ 02/03/09 02:22:55 PMreport abuse

Not all LEDs are created equal

I know the product he is talking about, and they are very disappointing if you think of them as a light bulb replacement. They use clusters of low-power indicator type LEDs.

This type of LED is great for lighting up buttons and letting you know something is charged, but terrible for real lighting.

There are LED products that generate good light, but they are far too expensive to justify home use. Right now, reflector type lamps are the only ones with real replacements, but they approach $100 each for the really high power ones. These types use several high power LEDs, and most of these LEDs cost several dollars PER CHIP. Thus, they are usually reserved for applications that you REALLY don't want to change for a while.

By Austin @ 01/31/09 05:09:31 PMreport abuse

L.E.D.'s

Also, these bulbs are polarity sensitive devices that will work on a.c. but will produce flicker for some folks unless a "full wave" bridge rectifier is used. The difference is that half wave will produce 60 pulses of light per second. Full wave will produce 120 pulses of light per second. Rectifier diodes have a "PIV" rating or peak inverse voltage. they are probably cheaping out on the manufacturing end and using cheap low PIV rectifiers. Anything I engineer is pushed 100% past the normal ratings so long life is assured. It doesn't take that much more in terms of cost to engineer reliability into a product. Any rectification problems are poor design.....period.

By Jerry @ 01/29/09 03:33:20 AMreport abuse

Light emitting Diodes

Some means of measuring light out put in lumens or in the old system of "foot/candles" needs to be devised for these L.E.D. lamps. I have a theory for what I feel is a better way to make L.E.D. lamps. If what is being used are the so-called "white" L.E.D.'s, they are about the color of daylight but will need some engineering to get it right.

By Jerry @ 01/29/09 03:21:51 AMreport abuse

My only complaint is the life of the bulb. The LED bulbs I have purchased are burning out at twice the rate as regular bulbs. Does anyone have a particular brand that they have good luck with?

By Tina @ 01/28/09 12:35:38 AMreport abuse

LED's Bulbs From Sam's Clubs or Wal-mart

I bought the same lights about 6 months ago. I had 80% of them burn out and what was left dimmed down to half as bright after 3 months. The problem is the AC comvertor weakens and burns out.

By Billy @ 01/27/09 11:05:17 PMreport abuse

I agree that LED products are still in their infancy, however, they can be extremely bright if they are designed well and they have only recently developed an LED that produces actual white light and not the bluish tinted white. It will only be a matter of time before they are as conveniently priced as regular lights and will look as natural as regular light. I think they're awesome.

By shafaa @ 01/27/09 08:51:17 PMreport abuse

CFLs & LEDs

I am very much opposed to CFLs for a variety of reasons and started stocking up on the regular light bulbs when I thought I wouldn't be able to get them any more. I've not tried the LEDs but if these comments are valid, they don't sound that great.

By Laura @ 01/27/09 07:44:49 PMreport abuse

It is my understanding that most ALL CFLs are made in China. If the LEDs are made in the US, it could help our balance of payment problems as well. Does anyone know where they are being manufactured?

By Tom @ 01/27/09 07:10:41 PMreport abuse

Nightlight

Have you tried some of the latest night vision goggles? They might trip you out!
Lot better than the old starlight scopes.

By Grandpa Gene @ 01/27/09 07:04:06 PMreport abuse

Next thing you know the nut jobs in Washington are going to pass a law demanding that everyone by LED lights because it is the green thing to do. I am so tired of the environmental nuts I could scream.

By Buzz Gee @ 01/27/09 06:39:39 PMreport abuse

LED Lights

I tried the lights myself and had to replace them shortly after trying them. Cant see that well with them. They are just terrible, would not recommend them.

By Jack @ 01/27/09 05:25:22 PMreport abuse

I hate LED's, I hope that's not all we will be offered for light bulbs. I bought a closet light with LED's, can't see a thing in the closet. I have a flashlight, can't see a thing, I have a reading light for books, can't see a thing. Boo!!

By Pat @ 01/27/09 03:21:57 PMreport abuse

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Jan 27, 2009 -- LEDs ready for primetime in your home?

What others are saying