Has anyone tried using LED lights for your home lighting yet?

[Frank Broughton]

I was wondering if anyone has tried out LED lights as replacements for incandescent and the fluorescent replacements. I had a couple of the fluorescent ones sorta "explode" (for lack of a better word) on us and am looking to replace these with LED bulbs. I purchased 4 LED's - one 13w BR30 (equivalent 75w) and three 9.5w (60w equivalent) recently and am seeing how long these last in reality. We go through incandescent ones like toilet paper and the fluorescent ones did not last much longer for us.

[sharky]

I have a few. The first ones I got were a few years ago, supposed to be 40watt equivalent but they weren't plus the light was very directional. The more recently purchased ones I have seems to actually be the equivalent light output that they claim and I am happy with them. I think I got them at home depot. Two are in my bathroom, I think they were 60watt equivalent and I have one over the sink in the kitchen that I think is a 40 watt equivalent.

I'll try to remember that I posted in this thread when I have time in the next day or two (most likely tomorrow) to check the bulbs for their exact rating and brand. As my existing non-led bulbs go bad I will likely replace them with led even though led are still pricey

[Frank Broughton]

Yes they are pricey. I am watching for sales and online deals. Ace Hardware had the BR 30 for $15 it was normally $20. I bought 12 for our church building to try out.

The one I have for the BR30 is very bright. I have it above my desk in the office here and dimmed down 50 percent or so and it is still really bright.

[Chant]

I can't say about home lighting, but I have used LEDs for stage lighting for the band. The first ones that came out had really crappy throws. The newer ones are much better. I used Par64 LEDs for stage wash and they covered just as well as Par64 lamps/bulbs do. The upside is they use much less power, they're not as hot, and the LEDs last longer (I think the Par64 LEDs had a life of 11,000 hours or such) than lamps or bulbs. I also think the white light they produce is a truer white than other bulbs... so if you were into video or photography they might be better.

[nogods]

I have about 6 of the 40 and 60 watt equivalents. Prices ranged from $8 to $21. They work fine, A lot less heat.

[FMD]

As every one switches to LED lights and use less power, the owner companies will have to raise their rates in order to offset their lost revenue.

In essence, you pay more for less.