Light-emitting diode (LED) lighting had been used primarily for industrial and commercial applications in the past. There are many good reasons to use LED lighting in the home.
How LED works:
Instead of emitting light and heat in all directions, an LED light moves electrons through a semiconductor material. It creates light that shines in a specific direction. LED bulbs intended to replace conventional light bulbs have multiple diodes. They are used to create bright light and generate very little heat. While quite expensive compared to the older bulbs they replace, high power LED bulbs are more than twice as efficient as compact fluorescent bulbs and eight times as efficient as incandescent bulbs. They can last as long as 20 years.
LEDs contain no mercury or other toxic materials, are very unlikely to break if dropped, and reach full brightness as soon as they are turned on. If you are considering the switch to LED, be sure to look for Energy Star rated LED bulbs. Why not start by replacing bulbs in your most-used and hard-to-reach fixtures?