
Comparison Chart
LED Lights vs. Incandescent Light Bulbs vs. CFLs
Energy Efficiency & Energy Costs
Life Span (average)
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) Incandescent Light Bulbs Compact Fluorescents (CFLs)
50,000 hours 1,200 hours 8,000 hours
Watts of electricity used (equivalent to 60 watt bulb).
6 - 8 watts 60 watts 13-15 watts
Kilo-watts of Electricity used
(30 Incandescent Bulbs per year equivalent)
329 KWh/yr. 3285 KWh/yr. 767 KWh/yr.
Annual Operating Cost
(30 Incandescent Bulbs per year equivalent)
$32.85/year $328.59/year $76.65/year
LEDs use less power (watts) per unit of light generated (lumens).
LEDs help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and lower electric bills.
Environmental Impact
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) Incandescent Light Bulbs Compact Fluorescents (CFLs)
No No Yes - Contains the TOXIC Mercury.
Mercury is very toxic to your health and the environment
RoHS Compliant
Yes Yes No - contains 1mg-5mg of Mercury
and is a major risk to the environment
Carbon Dioxide Emissions
(30 bulbs per year)
451 pounds/year 4500 pounds/year 1051 pounds/year
Lower energy consumption decreases: CO2 emissions, sulfur oxide, and high-level nuclear waste.
Light Output
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) Incandescent Light Bulbs Compact Fluorescents (CFLs)
Lumens Watts Watts Watts
450 4-5 40 9-13
800 6-8 60 13-15
1,100 9-13 75 18-25
1,600 16-20 100 23-30
2,600 25-28 150 30-55
