The Differences Between LED & HID Light Bulbs

• Before LED technology, HID lights were the ideal choice for exterior lighting applications. lights image by Ana de Sousa from Fotolia.com

  Light emitting diode light bulbs and high intensity discharge light bulbs are used for many lighting applications because they are energy efficient with a long lifespan. They function differently in that HID bulbs emit light by passing a current through a capsule of gas and LED bulbs use diodes that produce light when connected to a circuit. These light bulbs differ in a few other ways as well.

Price

• When comparing LED and HID light bulbs, price is a big factor. The frequency of replacement, energy costs and what they cost new should be factored into this equation. LED bulbs do not need to be replaced as often as HID bulbs because they last longer, and they are more energy efficient, using less wattage than HID bulbs. While LED bulbs might cost more to purchase initially, operating costs and the savings from not buying replacement bulbs as often make LED bulbs more cost effective than HID bulbs.

Durability and Performance

• LED bulbs can last more than 50,000 hours, which is up to 12.5 times longer than HID bulbs. LED bulbs also remain cool to the touch, whereas HID bulbs do not. The lack of heat makes LED bulbs less likely to shatter during installation.

  HID bulbs take time to warm up, only reaching only about 5 percent of their optimum output when first lit. They need about 15 to 20 seconds to reach full output. They also cannot be relit immediately after shutting off, needing about 5 to 10 seconds to cool. LED bulbs turn on instantly and don't need to warm up as HID bulbs do. LEDs produce fewer dark spots, giving better visibility than HID because they have diodes that are multidirectional, which produces light over a greater area.

Environmental Factors

• LED bulbs use up to 60 percent less energy than HID bulbs. This means that LED use reduces greenhouse gas emissions by burning less fossil fuel than HID bulbs to generate power. HID bulbs are not easily recyclable because they contain potentially hazardous material such as mercury and lead that has to be carefully disposed of. LED lights are recyclable and do not contain this hazardous material. LEDs emit directional light, which means there is more control over where the light goes. It can be better focused than HID light, so light isn't wasted by going where it is not needed (into animal habitat or into the sky). This reduces light pollution that impacts wildlife.