LEDs are gaining in popularity, a new survey finds

KRC Research conducted the seventh annual Socket Survey in February 2015 via an online survey of 1,000 Americans aged 18 and over. The survey showed that 78 percent of those polled switched to a more energy-efficient lighting technology since the phase-out of incandescent light bulbs went into effect in January 2014, with 30 percent of respondents indicating they made the switch to LED bulbs.

The two biggest drivers for LED light bulb purchases were the lifespan of the bulb and the amount of light produced, with 95 percent indicating these qualities had some influence on their decision. The most valued benefits of making the switch were reduced energy consumption (96 percent), longer bulb life span (93 percent) and cost savings (93 percent).

LEDs could also lead to smart lighting and smart home options.

While 62 percent of respondents indicated they were aware of smart lighting technology, only 10 percent said they have actually purchased smart bulbs for their homes. However, 83 percent of those surveyed believe smart lighting is a good introduction to home automation technologies, and 72 percent felt smart lighting will eventually replace traditional light bulbs.

Of the rooms that would benefit from smart lighting technology, respondents picked living rooms (58 percent) first, then kitchens (49 percent) and bedrooms (42 percent) topped the list. The next most common hotspots were outdoor applications (40 percent) and the garage (36 percent).

Smart lighting owners are also more likely to expand their smart homes with other technologies than non-users, with products like smart thermostats (84 percent versus 58 percent), house alarms (80 percent versus 51 percent), and door locks (80 percent versys 45 percent).

In addition to LED light bulbs’ long lives — some boast they’ll last 20 years — their prices have been dropping over the last few years. Most recently, both Philips and Cree announced sub-$10 bulbs. Though the survey only included 1,000 people, deals like that are bound to get more people on board with LEDs.