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Forget those mercury-ridden CFLs, they've solved the LED problem. | (Read 303 times) |
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MJ Solaro
Administrator
Posts: 131
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March 04, 2008, 10:37:44 PM |
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http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/1415/
LEDs have failed to take over the way CFLs have because of the narrow light spectrum they emit. It's too monotone, and fails to replicate the "natural" light spectrum we've become so accustomed to in incandescent lighting.
Any attempts to solve the problem have resulted in a trade-off in efficiency.
Good news! Appears they have figured out a solution and now they can have their efficiency cake and eat a broad-spectrum glow too. (yes, i am groaning at my own ridiculous use of metaphor...) The solution involves some soft of nano-crystalline coating that retains the efficiency.
The upfront cost of LEDs continues to be the real problem. Their lengthy lifespan makes lifecycle cost pleasingly low, but upfront costs of 5-6x CFLs and incandescents irk potential buyers. Still, ironing out some of these other difficulties should help us make headway towards adoption.
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paul wheaton
Administrator
Posts: 1343
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March 05, 2008, 06:51:44 AM |
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I would be willing to pay a lot more for an LED light like that. Maybe $40 per bulb.
My current CF bulbs are pretty cheap and come with lots of marketing about natural light and how long they will last, but I think it's90% hype.
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MJ Solaro
Administrator
Posts: 131
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March 05, 2008, 10:37:14 AM |
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Yeah, I have a number of problems with my current CFs. The ones I purchased have an enormous start-up time, meaning that they take 1-2 minutes to warm up to the temperature where they are producing "full-light". This is a big problem in my bathrooms. I run in to check to see if I have an eyelash in my eye, or just to use the facilities, and I can't see anything for the first two minutes I'm in there.
Then there's the lifespan myth. CFLs only really work longer than incandescents if they are kept on continuously. Unfortunately, flipping them off and on frequently reduces their lifespan to about the range of the incandescents.
And then there's what to do if a bulb breaks. Myself, I'm not as worried about the mercury issue as some people seem to be, having grown up with mercury thermometers around and playing with mercury in school. So long as you don't ingest it, you should be okay. But I can certainly see why people who have small children or dogs would be worried.
Regardless, I look forward to when we can all buy LEDs and get it over with... Just don't remind me that some of the minerals used in LED construction are running out... 
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