LED light bulbs are the new buzz in the lighting world these days, and let’s face it, the technology has its intriguing features.  They use about as much energy as the CW television network has viewers–not much!  So, why is everyone installing compact fluorescent bulbs instead?

To answer that question, you’ve got to consider the main drawback of LED bulbs as they exist today: the amount of light produce.  They are excellent for accent lighting, which are lights used for decor, and not for actually lighting up a room.  Until the world’s manufacturers of LED lights can make them good enough to replace the typical 60 watt bulb’s light output, LED’s will not be a realistic alternative to household lighting.

Another issue coming to the forefront in LED light bulbs is how well they are (or aren’t) made.  LED technology should last for decades, and I’ve heard from a few people that there are a lot of cheaper, poorly made models on the U.S. market right now that stop functioning within months instead.  When looking into investing in LED bulbs, treat it the same as you would buying a car–don’t buy one without a major brand name to stand behind the quality.  If you ever DO think about it, imagine a 4 door sedan on a parking lot painted white with black accents and a big bar code on the door?  “It’s the 2009 Generic XT600, now at your local dealer!”  After you’ve considered this, put the no name LED back on the shelf and slowly walk away.  Feel free to shake your head in disgust at what you were about to do.  Wasn’t that a close one?  Aren’t you glad you have an advisor like me to help you out?