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Let's face it...CFLs, to an ecogeek, are old news. My entire house was converted more than three years ago. I don't even think about them anymore. Frankly, I can't believe incandescents are still on sale!
There just hasn't been very much excitement in the consumer space in lighting. Some fantastic research, sure, but nothing I can buy. Well, one of the few companies who make LED light bulbs has changed that. It may be silly of me to get excited about a light bulb, but I can't help it.
EarthLED already has a few amazing products. The CL line is my personal favorite, I have two of them in my house already. But while they work for my house, with its low ceilings and cave-dwelling inhabitants, folks were previously disappointed by the lack of any 100 W equivalents at EarthLED.
Well, that's changed. The new Evolux line at EarthLED puts off just as much light as a 100 W incandescent but consumes only 13 W. A 13 W CFL, on the other hand, puts out about as much light as an 80 W incandescent would.
And yet, that's not its sole claim to superiority. The new line also promises to be cheaper than CFLs over the life of the bulb, not so much because of energy savings (though that helps) but because of the bulb's lifetime. CREE's LEDs are rated at over 50,000 hours, which is more than a decade of use...and 5X longer than CFLs.
Of course, no one's actually tested these bulbs for all 50,000 of those hours. And as the bulb actually has a moving part (a small, silent fan to keep the circuit board cool) the life of the fan might be more important than the life of the LEDs.
Besides being more efficient and longer lasting than CFLs, the bulbs also contain no mercury, are significantly more durable and won't shatter if dropped, and never get too hot to touch. They're about to release another version of the bulb that will turn any lamp into a dimmable lamp. Simply by turning the lamp on and off quickly, you can select 150 lumen, 750 lumen, or 950 lumen settings.
Of course, there has to be bad news, doesn't there. Though the total cost of ownership will be lower, because you'll only have to buy one every 15 years or so, the initial investment of $80 might come as a shock. But, really, is it that much of a price to pay to be the only person on your block with "The World's Most Advanced Light Bulb"?
From my perspective, I see it as both being a cool thing to have in the house and a way to encourage companies like EarthLED and CREE to continue working their fingers to the bone creating these amazing new products.
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written by Cameron, April 11, 2008
Hopefully they can quickly lower the price as production increases.
Even if the price remains high. By the sounds of it there might be a good reason to revise building codes to require these type of light bulbs in new houses and public buildings.
Government and business should be the first people interested in these bulbs (if they do work as advertised) since it would lower the overall cost of operations, perhaps significantly depending on the situation.
Even if the price remains high. By the sounds of it there might be a good reason to revise building codes to require these type of light bulbs in new houses and public buildings.
Government and business should be the first people interested in these bulbs (if they do work as advertised) since it would lower the overall cost of operations, perhaps significantly depending on the situation.
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written by Leisureguy, April 11, 2008
They do offer both "white" (I assume full-spectrum) and "warm" (I assume tilted toward the red). Looks very good.
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written by Lear, April 11, 2008
Sadly I do a lot of macro photography and detail model work where color matching to natural spectrum is rather important.
Consistently CFL have been to blue, and I and up spending a lot of time color correcting them if I use them in my workspace.
So incandescent full-spectrum bulbs in the work room and CFL elsewhere in the house.
Although I'm tempted to try a couple of the "white" LED bulbs to see how close they come to full spectrum.
Consistently CFL have been to blue, and I and up spending a lot of time color correcting them if I use them in my workspace.
So incandescent full-spectrum bulbs in the work room and CFL elsewhere in the house.
Although I'm tempted to try a couple of the "white" LED bulbs to see how close they come to full spectrum.
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written by tetricus, April 11, 2008
I also get so excited over these things. 
I think its ok to be an eco gadget geek too.
I think its ok to be an eco gadget geek too.
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written by Bram, April 12, 2008
Something smells fishy. It's only rated 13W, yet it needs a fan to stay cool? That's bollocks. There's a million ways of dissipating a mere 13W worth of heat without the need for any fans. I ain't buying no lamps with fans in them. It's a darn right shame as well, because it sounds very promising.
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written by Lawrence, April 12, 2008
Have you ever used a high power LED? You cant think of it the same way you think of a light source, try thinking of a CPU operating at 13 watts, that would put out a crazy amount of heat.
I have a 10 watt LED and its heatsink does indeed get very warm. I think it's a great idea to have a internal fan, when LED's operate at a cooler temperature, it improves their lifespan and output. It also very easy to make a fan that lasts well over 50,000 hours. I would give you an example of all the datacentres that run servers with CPU cooler fans for 24/7.
Bottom line, think of LED's more like CPU chips than traditional light bulbs.
With that said, I am looking forward to buying one of these.
I have a 10 watt LED and its heatsink does indeed get very warm. I think it's a great idea to have a internal fan, when LED's operate at a cooler temperature, it improves their lifespan and output. It also very easy to make a fan that lasts well over 50,000 hours. I would give you an example of all the datacentres that run servers with CPU cooler fans for 24/7.
Bottom line, think of LED's more like CPU chips than traditional light bulbs.
With that said, I am looking forward to buying one of these.
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written by frederic, April 12, 2008
I'm agree with Bram, it's strange that a LED bulb need a fan to stay cool whereas LEDs are suppose to be more efficient (so less energy loss in warm) than CFL or incandescent bulbs.
One more thing, I read a consumption test about some LED bulb (you can read it here, sorry it's in french : http://www.econologie.com/foru...t2132.html). It appears that some LED bulbs are consumming a lot more energy that it's indicated by the manufacturer, like 300% more (from 5,5W indicated to 16,45W really measured).
It's seems that this is partly due to the power adaptor which has to convert 220v into 12v or less and this conversion consume energy, of course.
Nevertheless, the quality of this LED bulb seems to be better than the CFL and the incandescent, which is not the case for the LED spots I have installed at home (the light is quite powerfull but very directed in a narrow angle).
One more thing, I read a consumption test about some LED bulb (you can read it here, sorry it's in french : http://www.econologie.com/foru...t2132.html). It appears that some LED bulbs are consumming a lot more energy that it's indicated by the manufacturer, like 300% more (from 5,5W indicated to 16,45W really measured).
It's seems that this is partly due to the power adaptor which has to convert 220v into 12v or less and this conversion consume energy, of course.
Nevertheless, the quality of this LED bulb seems to be better than the CFL and the incandescent, which is not the case for the LED spots I have installed at home (the light is quite powerfull but very directed in a narrow angle).
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written by Dan, April 12, 2008
In a normal lamp situation, a regular heat sink would be enough to radiate the excess heat of the bulb. But in a pot lamp (recessed lamp), there is little air circulation, so a fan would be a benefit.
I use CFLs in pot lamps right now, but they tend to burn out faster than incandescent bulbs because of the excess heat.
I'm not sure a 50,000 hour life is that great a selling point. The technology will have improved drastically in that time, so we'd have to throw out working bulbs to get the new capabilities. One thing I'm looking for is true dimmable bulbs. They are technically possible, but nobody has put the effort into them yet. The tri-light feature mentioned in the article is a start, though.
I use CFLs in pot lamps right now, but they tend to burn out faster than incandescent bulbs because of the excess heat.
I'm not sure a 50,000 hour life is that great a selling point. The technology will have improved drastically in that time, so we'd have to throw out working bulbs to get the new capabilities. One thing I'm looking for is true dimmable bulbs. They are technically possible, but nobody has put the effort into them yet. The tri-light feature mentioned in the article is a start, though.
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written by Dave Cowen, April 12, 2008
The LED versus CPU comparison was a very good one in explaining the need for a fan. The issue isn't how much total heat the LED puts off, but the power density. CPUs put off relatively small amounts of heat compared to many things we are used to, but they put this heat off in a very small area. The translates to a very high power density. Hence the need for a fan.
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written by lowspeed, April 14, 2008
First thing to break is the fan...
Why are these so expensive anyway ?
Why are these so expensive anyway ?
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written by Captain HM McGee, April 14, 2008
I go back to a point a previous poster made, Fan technology has really advanced. Think about the millions of servers out there that run 24/7 and never have any issues. All of them require a multitude of fans to be running flawlessly. The same, of course could be said for the computer you and I are using right now.
Perhaps the manufacturer will let us know some more detail about the fan and its placement.
I think the Fan is a great idea personally because it will probably make good on the claims of 50,000 hours. I have personally purchased several LED light bulbs that have failed very quickly, most likely due to heat issues.
Perhaps the manufacturer will let us know some more detail about the fan and its placement.
I think the Fan is a great idea personally because it will probably make good on the claims of 50,000 hours. I have personally purchased several LED light bulbs that have failed very quickly, most likely due to heat issues.
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written by Grant, April 14, 2008
Why do LED bulbs cost $80? It's too much to ask consumers to pay that much up front in exchange for something that might last 30 years (the average homeowner only stays in their home for 8 years). When I moved recently I replaced about 60 bulbs in my new house. If I put in LEDs instead of CFLs, it would have been another $5,000!
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written by kballs, April 14, 2008
Selling on TCO is hard enough with people so concerned about up-front price, but when the TCO requires you live in your house for 15 years to see a benefit (or take all the lamps with you and hope they all have a place to fit) isn't going to sell anything in large volume. The cost needs to come down.
Also, RE: fans in light bulbs: they will get clogged with dust very quickly and need regular periodic cleaning (just to preserve the air flow needed for their cooling function, regardless if the fan itself continues to function for 50k hours). Have you ever seen the dust in the exhaust fans in your bathrooms?
Also, RE: fans in light bulbs: they will get clogged with dust very quickly and need regular periodic cleaning (just to preserve the air flow needed for their cooling function, regardless if the fan itself continues to function for 50k hours). Have you ever seen the dust in the exhaust fans in your bathrooms?
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written by carl myhill, April 14, 2008
I was staggered to notice an australian website selling so called 'eco' halogen downlights (35W). How are they eco? They claim because they make a saving on the typical 50W versions. Nuts. We need to be making a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions, dressing up 35W halogens as an eco solution seems crazy.
http://www.todae.com.au/comersus2/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=1542
http://www.todae.com.au/comersus2/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=1542
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written by Bram, April 16, 2008
Modern CPUs have a heat output of about 100W. Even they can be cooled passively. Sure, it requires some interesting heatsink designs with large surface areas. But if a tiny 100W chip can be cooled passively, then so can a lightbulb.
Yes, keeping the temperature down is a good thing and will probably increase the lifespan. However, no matter what the claims, there is no such thing as a silent fan. Air on the move is noisy and carries dust. The way I interpret this article, the LED will die without the fan. And I don't believe for one minute that a fan in a very small lightbulb enclosure can last for 50000 hours.
Now, I'm trying to knock this otherwise very cool bulb. I'm just saying that it can and should be improved upon.
Yes, keeping the temperature down is a good thing and will probably increase the lifespan. However, no matter what the claims, there is no such thing as a silent fan. Air on the move is noisy and carries dust. The way I interpret this article, the LED will die without the fan. And I don't believe for one minute that a fan in a very small lightbulb enclosure can last for 50000 hours.
Now, I'm trying to knock this otherwise very cool bulb. I'm just saying that it can and should be improved upon.
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written by jake3988, April 16, 2008
Cost has to come down
written by Grant , April 14, 2008
Why do LED bulbs cost $80? It's too much to ask consumers to pay that much up front in exchange for something that might last 30 years (the average homeowner only stays in their home for 8 years
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For one, it saves you an utterly immense amount of money. The cost an LED is the cost of the bulb. And you're done, basically. Plus you buy 49 less bulbs. The amount you save in electricity is close to $300.
Two, if you buy the bulbs... and you move, take them. It's not like you're obligated to leave your LEDs.
Three, it's very new technology. Like solar, like wind, like any 'green' technology, the price will come down. How much, I'm not sure. But considering they last 10 years, they'll want to charge as much as possible
But anyway, this is fantastic news. I was just about to grab a luxetera but was worried about its output (being only a 50w equiv and all). This is 13w LED and only $80. Time to buy.
One every month or two should do.
written by Grant , April 14, 2008
Why do LED bulbs cost $80? It's too much to ask consumers to pay that much up front in exchange for something that might last 30 years (the average homeowner only stays in their home for 8 years
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For one, it saves you an utterly immense amount of money. The cost an LED is the cost of the bulb. And you're done, basically. Plus you buy 49 less bulbs. The amount you save in electricity is close to $300.
Two, if you buy the bulbs... and you move, take them. It's not like you're obligated to leave your LEDs.
Three, it's very new technology. Like solar, like wind, like any 'green' technology, the price will come down. How much, I'm not sure. But considering they last 10 years, they'll want to charge as much as possible
But anyway, this is fantastic news. I was just about to grab a luxetera but was worried about its output (being only a 50w equiv and all). This is 13w LED and only $80. Time to buy.
One every month or two should do.
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written by Joel, April 24, 2008
That's a deal breaker. The price has to come way down before these are going to catch on.
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written by Eric, May 08, 2008
Maybe the general Public just do not know about normal LED light bulbs yet? Ours cost between 27 -36 dollars each .They just use typical 5mm LED's 90-150 per bulb and consume a mere 5-7 Watts! With almost ZERO heat output! Lifetime 5 Years/50,000 hours!
Please visit us and I am HAPPY to tak your call and field your questions. Just ask for Eric. Oh an let me rail a little bit on Fluorescents and what they/we are doing to ourselves.
Check out http://www.lighthousww.com/ for the best low energy use, lowest cost LED lighting in the world. Save money on your utility bill! Get educated! LED's are the FUTURE of lighting, as we know it. Stop using the CFL's (Compact Fluorescents) and regular fluorescents that are filled WITH THEIR TOXIC MERCURY VAPOR AND PHOSPHOR COATING, POISONING OUR ENVIRONMENT AND US AND OUR CHILDREN AND OUR CHILDRENS CHILDREN AND ON AND ON!!! You must know that almost NO ONE disposes of these horribly poisonous lights properly??? Maybe large business and city and federal governments do because they are bound by law to do so. Too bad the average homeowner is not bound by the same law!
You have heard of MERCURY in your fish that you eat right? DUH! Where do you think it's coming from??? It does not just occur in nature by itself. It’s from the THE FLUORESCENTS THAT WE ALL THROW AWAY EVERY SINGLE DAY!!! They go into our landfills by the millions and break and the Mercury Vapor and Phosphor Coatings leach into the soil then into the groundwater, then into our streams, rivers, lakes and OCEANS! Then of course, we ingest it through the fish we eat and eventually poison our bodies with this toxic plethora of chemicals. Don’t get me started on how much faster this poison gets into the atmosphere that we breathe if by bad circumstance the Fluorescents make it into an incinerator!!!
LED's are completely environmentally friendly and recyclable too and are RoHS compliant!
Our LED’s have 50,000 hour lifespan. You would have to burn the bulb 24 hrs a day (8,760) hours a year for 5.7 years to burn them out. Also being Solid State Lighting (SSL), they are incredibly durable.
A standard incandescent draws much more power and typically only lasts 1000- 10000
Hours this is why we replace them all the time. In addition, they are very fragile because of the little wire filament inside them. Fluorescents are not any better though they do draw less power they contain the poisons that are killing us. GO LED! It truly is the future of ALL lighting. Mark my words!
Eric.
Please visit us and I am HAPPY to tak your call and field your questions. Just ask for Eric. Oh an let me rail a little bit on Fluorescents and what they/we are doing to ourselves.
Check out http://www.lighthousww.com/ for the best low energy use, lowest cost LED lighting in the world. Save money on your utility bill! Get educated! LED's are the FUTURE of lighting, as we know it. Stop using the CFL's (Compact Fluorescents) and regular fluorescents that are filled WITH THEIR TOXIC MERCURY VAPOR AND PHOSPHOR COATING, POISONING OUR ENVIRONMENT AND US AND OUR CHILDREN AND OUR CHILDRENS CHILDREN AND ON AND ON!!! You must know that almost NO ONE disposes of these horribly poisonous lights properly??? Maybe large business and city and federal governments do because they are bound by law to do so. Too bad the average homeowner is not bound by the same law!
You have heard of MERCURY in your fish that you eat right? DUH! Where do you think it's coming from??? It does not just occur in nature by itself. It’s from the THE FLUORESCENTS THAT WE ALL THROW AWAY EVERY SINGLE DAY!!! They go into our landfills by the millions and break and the Mercury Vapor and Phosphor Coatings leach into the soil then into the groundwater, then into our streams, rivers, lakes and OCEANS! Then of course, we ingest it through the fish we eat and eventually poison our bodies with this toxic plethora of chemicals. Don’t get me started on how much faster this poison gets into the atmosphere that we breathe if by bad circumstance the Fluorescents make it into an incinerator!!!
LED's are completely environmentally friendly and recyclable too and are RoHS compliant!
Our LED’s have 50,000 hour lifespan. You would have to burn the bulb 24 hrs a day (8,760) hours a year for 5.7 years to burn them out. Also being Solid State Lighting (SSL), they are incredibly durable.
A standard incandescent draws much more power and typically only lasts 1000- 10000
Hours this is why we replace them all the time. In addition, they are very fragile because of the little wire filament inside them. Fluorescents are not any better though they do draw less power they contain the poisons that are killing us. GO LED! It truly is the future of ALL lighting. Mark my words!
Eric.
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written by Glenda, June 08, 2008
Just wanted to say that the lighting with the Evolux light bulb looks purer than the lighting with the Incandescent light bulb. This appeals very much to me because i love well lit rooms.
The problem will be convincing my mom to shell out the $80 for the Evolux bilbs themselves...She grew up in a time and place where they literally used oil lamps at night--seriously-- and I like to think that she has progressed well as she's willing to buy the current LED lights available, but unless they make them more affordable, I don't think I will be seeing any of the evolux up close and personal anytime soon :-
. The problem will be convincing my mom to shell out the $80 for the Evolux bilbs themselves...She grew up in a time and place where they literally used oil lamps at night--seriously-- and I like to think that she has progressed well as she's willing to buy the current LED lights available, but unless they make them more affordable, I don't think I will be seeing any of the evolux up close and personal anytime soon :-
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written by Tim, June 12, 2008
We have a bulb that's comparable minus the fan and diffuser. Par30: http://www.ledwaves.com/produc...267&page=1
Our PAR38 that's even brighter: http://www.ledwaves.com/produc...103&page=3
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. Thanks.
Our PAR38 that's even brighter: http://www.ledwaves.com/produc...103&page=3
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. Thanks.
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written by Eric, August 01, 2008
Sucky product. If used where ur going to sit like by a couch u can hear the fan. Also, Works better if directly pointed at u from above so i tried in a ceiling fan light and it would overheat and dim itself. very annoying getting my money back.
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written by Pook, August 12, 2008
The 50,000 hours is I would think a little fanciful, while It *might* last that long LED's have a tendency to sort of wear out, becoming dim with time. I wonder how long it would retain its useful light levels..
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written by xx, September 23, 2008
If these will last so long, why do they only have a 1 year warranty?
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written by Armando, April 16, 2009
This technology is amazing. DO you know if it's compatible with the plug'n power units (or X10)?
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written by Jessica, September 29, 2009
I have used the Geo series led light bulbs and they are amazing. They are also a lot cheaper then Earthleds led bulbs.
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written by Jessica, September 29, 2009
I have used the Geo Series LED Bulbs (http://www.geolights.com/products.php?bid=34) and they are amazing. They are also a lot cheaper then Earthleds led bulbs.
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Hopefully soon we'll get a review or two for the EarthLED Evolux LED. From that second picture in the article, they look very bright. Hopefully the color of the light is pleasant too.