LED Lighting

The light-emitting diode (LED) is one of today's most energy-efficient and rapidly-developing lighting technologies. LEDs last longer, are more durable, and offer better light quality than nearly any other type of lighting available.

Energy Savings

LED is a highly energy efficient lighting technology, and has the potential to fundamentally change the future of lighting in the United States. Residential LEDs—especially ENERGY STAR rated products—use at least 75% less energy, and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting.

Widespread use of LED lighting has the greatest potential impact on energy savings in the United States. By 2027, widespread use of LEDs could save about 348 TWh (compared to no LED use) of electricity: This is the equivalent annual electrical output of 44 large electric power plants (1000 megawatts each), and a total savings of more than $30 billion at today's electricity prices.

Learn more about How Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs Compare with Traditional Incandescents.

How LEDs are Different

LED lighting is very different from other lighting sources such as incandescent bulbs and CFLs. Key differences include the following:

Light source

LEDs are near-monochromatic light sources. They emit various colors (except white) depending on the materials from which they are made.

Direction

LEDs are directional—much like a flashlight—which makes them ideal for applications such as recessed downlights and task lighting. With other types of lighting, the light must be reflected to the desired direction and more than half of the light may never leave the fixture.

Heat

LEDs emit almost no heat. In comparison, incandescent bulbs release 90% of their energy as heat and CFLs release about 80% of their energy as heat.

Learn More

Light-emitting diodes emit light in a specific direction, reducing the need for reflectors and diffusers that can trap light. This feature makes LEDs more efficient for many home and industrial uses. Learn more about LED lighting: