The introduction of LED light bulbs into the market has been hindered due to
several factors. Namely: lumens (brightness) color
(led produce blue radiance vs. white) market promotion and affordability.
Although LED bulbs for residential and commercial applications are not quite
where they need to be, they are starting to scratch their way into the market
this year with more force than ever before.
Technology
has brought the bulbs to a point where they are bright enough to compete with
standard bulbs if not better. Also, the color that has plagued the bulbs for
some time, being the hazy soft blue tones that are common has been dealt with as
well, be it by a diffuser or through bulb technology itself.
The hang-ups are still in check however, that being market promotion and
affordability. Although affordability is a significant factor in the bulbs being
promoted, one of the largest underlying causes to LED bulbs not being available
at lower costs is largely due in part to General Electric Inc. influence.
GE is a mammoth company that holds the largest stake in compact
fluorescents,
they have huge stakes in fluorescent bulbs not to mention the fluorescent
companies they have bought-up and manage through their conglomerate. It would
appear that it is in GE's
best interest to continue to promote and sell the compact fluorescent
residential and commercial products. This being said, it is not all GE's fault
of course but it is telling that they play a critical role in LED availability
and affordability for Americans.
I do not know the current status of GE's plans to produce and sell LED's but
that information I will research with care and produce for all you interested
readers at a later date. I do believe they will play a significant role in LED
technology and availability in the future, and likely a positive one at
that.
Although many have long awaited the inception of LED lighting for you home,
it is actually here now. One example is the LR6 LED down light from LED Lighting
Fixtures. Its recessed CAN LED light provides 60 lumens per watt, 50 percent
more than most all compact fluorescent bulbs available. The unit also fits into
a standard 6-inch radius can.
Another major benefit to using LED lights is the hours; this particular LED
light has a 50,000 hour life, five times as long as any compact fluorescent. The
price is negated by the longevity of the bulb. The price is steep however; this
particular CAN costs $125. There are other choices in LED can light kits out
there ranging in price and performance, the cheapest among them all is around
$80.
The light color produced by this can is done so with a combination of red and
yellow LED’s all masked behind a diffuser lens.
The result is a warm, white color spectrum, a necessary achievement for these
bulbs to begin to make their move into the mainstream.