Light Bulbs


Total light bulb cost.

  Good Old Incandescent
 Florescent (CFL)
 LED
Wattage 100W 23W 18W
Cost to operate at 10 hours a day, 10 cents per kWh.
10 cents per day
$36.50 per year
2.3 cents per day
$8.40 per year
1.8 cents per day
$6.57 per year
Average Life Time    
1000 hours        
12000 hours
24000 hours
Cost per bulb
 $1     $3     $15
Total cost to buy and operate one bulb for 10 hours a day for 2400 days (6.5 years)
 $261 $61 $58
 Total cost for 25 bulbs for 10 hours a day for 2400 days (6.5 years)
$6525$1525$1450
 Sensitivity to temperature
Some    Might only work between -10F and 20F
None
 Instant On    
YesNoYes
 DurabilityNo    NoCan handle bumps and jarring
 Heat Emitted    
High    MediumLow
 Environment CO2 emission high
CO2 emission medium, contains mercury
CO2 emission low

Looks like a no brainer, buy LEDs.   But you have to know how to shop.   Here are some facts you need to know: