Light emitting diode (LED) bulbs are more expensive to purchase than compact fluorescent bulbs, but they last three to five times longer. They also use five times less energy than incandescent bulbs and stay cooler to the touch.
????? Construction
LEDs emit light when electrons pass through a small chip made of semiconducting materials. The resulting heat is captured in a sink at the light base rather than being emitted as in other bulbs.
????? Energy Usage
"The New York Times" reported on a study conducted by German company Osram that found incandescent light bulbs use five times more energy than LED bulbs.
????? Function
Multi-colored LEDs are commonly used for low lighting needs such as power and status lights for electronics equipment like computers, televisions, stereos and cameras. They are also popular as Christmas lights.
????? Lighting Fixtures
Unlike incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, which emit their light in all directions, LEDs point their light in one direction and work best in spotlight-style fixtures like recessed downlights and under-cabinet lighting.
????? Bulb Life
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that a high-power LED bulb will last from 30,000 to 50,000 hours--three to five times longer than a compact fluorescent bulb.

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