| Type |
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) |
Compact Fluorescents (CFLs) |
Incandescent
Light Bulbs |
| Life Span (average) |
50,000 hours
40X |
8,000 hours
7.5 X |
1,200 hours
X |
| Power used |
7 watts
X |
14 watts
2X |
60 watts
9X |
| Brightness in lumens |
600 |
540 |
800 |
| Annual Operating Cost |
X |
2X |
10X |
| Contains the TOXIC Mercury |
No |
Yes |
No |
| Carbon Dioxide Emissions
(The bulbs don’t emit CO2.
Power generation emits CO2.)
Lower energy consumption decreases: CO2 emissions, sulfur oxide, and high-level nuclear waste. |
X |
2X |
10X |
| Turns on instantly |
Yes |
No - takes time to warm up |
Yes |
| Heat output |
Low |
Medium |
High |
| Heat sensitive |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture sensitive |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Durability |
Very Durable - LEDs can handle jarring and bumping |
Not Very Durable - glass can break easily |
Not Very Durable - glass or filament can break easily |