I have always wanted to purchase an LED lightbulb but three perceived flaws in LED have always stopped me: 1) very costly to purchase, 2) cold light temperature, and 3) dimness.
I can actually say that those three constraints that have always held me back from making a purchase have been resolved.
1) The cost has gone down significantly since last year. Sometimes the prices are a third of what they were before; you can find this bulb go on sale for less than the price of 6 CFLs here.
2) Three years ago, we installed LED under-cabinet fixtures in our kitchen. One of the deciding factors in pulling them out and putting less energy efficient bulbs was the color temperature. They were blue, cold, and had a somewhat hospital-like sterile color to them. This bulb here has a rated 2700K color temperature - that's the same color temperature of your "soft/warm white" incandescents that you have grown to be familiar with. Upon my own experience, this bulb is slightly whiter than a soft white incandescent, but has no blue or overall cold color to it.
3) Lighting amount isn't a major issue with this lightbulb if you are planning on replacing your 40 watt bulbs. The brightness is higher than a 40 watt incandescent, but has less brightness than your 60 watt incandescents - so about 50 watt incandescent equivalent. The bulb I replaced was a 60 watt soft white incandescent, and even though it is darker, it isn't by much at all. (If you want a brighter version of this bulb, perhaps check out
ThetaLux - 9 Watt LED Light Bulb - Warm White (2700K) - 550 Lumens
)
There are some inherent bonuses and flaws in LEDs still:
* (Pro) LEDs use much less energy: You could run 8.5 of these bulbs with the same amount of power 1 incandescent uses - 2 of these bulbs for 1 CFL. Don't forget you are saving money!
* (Pro) LEDs are instant on. No start up flicker and no warming up to full brightness like CFLs do now.
* (Pro) Very long life. 25,000+ lifespan equates to years of usage.
* (Neutral) This particular bulb directs more light upwards than down towards the base. In my situation, it is noticeable, but has no effect on my uses.
* (Con) It is recommended not to install in an enclosed or inverted fixture. LED bulbs distribute heat using heat sinks and any excess heat can prematurely dim your bulb. This effectively eliminates this bulb as a choice replacement for half of my fixtures in my home.
* (Con?) Still a pretty high "buy-in" price when compared to CFLs and incandescents, but the technology is working its way to mainstream and common availability.
In the end, definitely worth trying out! Buy one and put it in a lamp or other 1 bulb fixture to see how it looks. Frankly, you wont be able to see much of a difference in light quality between this LED and your old incandescent.
| Light Type | LED |
|---|---|
| Wattage | 7 watts |
| Light Color | Warm White |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Connectivity Technology | Normal bulb |
| Controller Type | Push Button |
| Part Number | Z2-7W-WW |
| Item Weight | 5.6 ounces |
| Package Dimensions | 4.4 x 2.6 x 2.2 inches |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Color | Warm White |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Type of Bulb | LED |
| Wattage | 7 Watts |
