Energy saving bulbs are quickly taking over the light sockets of the world. Whether by personal choice or governmental push, these energy efficient light-producing bulbs will soon provide much of our illumination. There are different ways to conserve energy including compact fluorescent lights and also using solar power. Another way is LED, which stands for light emitting diodes. Using LED-powered energy saving bulbs are a great option because they are durable, efficient, and have a long life.

The first light bulbs were extremely fragile and sometimes burst while in use. Through the years the glass became somewhat stronger but it was still breakable. LED energy saving bulbs are more durable because they are made out of plastic and do not use fragile glass and filaments. And because they are solid, they can withstand bumping and extreme movements. Because of this inherent sturdiness they are able to be used in fixtures that a traditional bulb could not tolerate. Examples include instrument panels and in electronic equipment, which are often jostled but whose small parts are difficult and expensive to repair.

A second reason for switching to LED is because they provide very efficient lighting. LED bulbs are often clumped together, and LED clusters have had as many as 180 bulbs. If used with diffuser lenses, they can produce a wider beam of light. Studies show that LED energy saving bulbs use one-tenth of the power of a regular incandescent bulb. You could light nine LED bulbs with the same amount of power needed to light one traditional bulb. So depending on your lighting use, it would be possible to light a whole house with LED bulbs that it currently takes to light one room with a traditional bulb. In many US cities, traditional traffic lights are being refitted with LED bulbs and these municipalities expect to see an approximate 80% reduction in electricity costs. As they require less power they are also ideal for remote areas, helping to reduce the number of generators and electric lines.

Another incentive for switching to LED energy saving bulbs is that they have a long life. Because they conserve their energy so well and do not build up heat, they ultimately last longer. Some studies conducted show that you could burn a LED bulb for twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and it would take about seven years to burn out. They are even longer lasting than compact fluorescent lighting, lasting up to ten times longer.

About the only drawback to LED energy saving bulbs is the production cost. They are expensive at first but these costs are usually recovered over time. However, Purdue University researchers have been experimenting with replacing the high-cost sapphire technology with silicon wafer technology which is less expensive. If their studies prove to be successful, we will soon see LED energy saving bulbs become even more commonplace. Combining durability, efficiency and long life, along with low cost, adds up to a winning technology which we are sure to see expand in the future.