Royal Philips Electronics has unveiled its 12-watt EnduraLED light bulb, which is the first LED replacement for a 60-watt incandescent light bulb — the most commonly used light bulb. The EnduraLED will deliver up to 80 percent energy savings and last 25 times longer than its century-old predecessor. In scientific terms, that means that the EnduraLED uses only 12 watts of power while delivering an industry benchmark of 806 lumens with a lifespan of 25,000 hours.
The new lamp uses an innovative design and remote phosphor technology to provide the same soft white light and shape consumers are familiar with in an incandescent. Using the EnduraLED to replace a 60 watt standard bulb could save up to $120 per lamp. Philips expects to begin offering the light bulb later this year but has yet to finalize a retail price.
Philips is not the only company about to introduce new LED lights. GE is showing off its Energy Smart LED bulbs which will be marketed as replacements for 40-watt incandescents. These bulbs will consume just 9 watts, offer 450 lumens and provide a 77-percent energy savings.
GE claims that the Energy Smart LED bulb is expected to outperform currently available products that may be underwhelming consumers right now. GE scientists and engineers have designed the bulb to better direct light downward on the intended surface and all around, not just out the top of a lampshade. The bulb is expected to retail for $40 to $50. It might seem like a lot to pay for a light bulb, but used four hours daily, the Energy Smart LED bulb could light a bedside lamp from a child’s birth through high school graduation!
