We often write about words and phrases in the news (
buzzwords) but recently conjured up one of our own—lights out—after contemplating the cost and long life span of light-emitting diode bulbs (LEDs). (Manufacturers claim they can last 25,000 to 50,000 hours.)
What it means: When buying a house, LED bulbs wouldn't be part of the deal. Just as exclusions in a contract can say: "Carpeting and window treatments remain. The dining room chandelier is not included," a "lights out" clause would exempt LED bulbs as well. Consider that the typical homeowner stays put for seven years before selling, according to the
National Association of Realtors, and you can see why someone who plunked down $50 a bulb may want to pack up these prized possessions.
LEDs are the latest addition to the lightbulb lineup as this country moves from standard incandescents to more energy-efficient lighting. The lineup includes CFLs and halogen bulbs, but LEDs are creating a lot of buzz lately as
Philips and Sylvania get ready to roll out LED bulbs that replace the 60-watt incandescent, the most commonly-used bulb, and GE introduces an LED that replaces the 40-watt incandescent. Manufacturers claim these bulbs rival the look and light quality of incandescents and don't contain mercury, as CFLs do. The estimated life of these bulbs is 25,000 hours, or about 17 years, based on four hours use a day.
Our
latest report on lightbulbs includes our initial take of a pre-retail sample of the Cree CR6, an LED downlight. Its estimated life is 50,000 hours. As the Cree, and other LEDs, arrive in stores, we'll test them and report back to you. Until then,
CFL Ratings are available to subscribers.
—Kimberly Janeway
