GE's first general service household LED bulb—a 9W GE Energy Smart LED bulb with a unique omni-directional light output meant to replace a 40W incandescent bulb in desk, bedside or hallway lamps—celebrated the bulb's designation as the first standard incandescent shaped (A-line) LED bulb to earn an Energy Star rating.
The new LED bulb provides a soft white light (3,000K) and a 77% energy savings compared with a 40W incandescent bulb. Energy Star tests found that the new GE LED bulb produced 471 lumens, a light-output measurement that exceeds the 450 lumens required by Energy Star to be considered a 40W incandescent replacement. Based on three hours of use per day, the GE LED bulb is rated to last over 22 years. It features instant full brightness like incandescent and halogen bulbs.
The GE Energy Smart 9-watt LED has a fin-like design, allowing it to direct light downward on the intended surface and all around, not just out the top of the lampshade. The fins surrounding the bulb help to keep it cool by drawing out heat, which also keeps the bulb's surface cooler to the touch.
The appearance of GE's new A-line LED bulb—including its white-colored rather than yellow-colored glass envelope when turned off—mirrors the clean, white color that consumers are accustomed to seeing and using with traditional light bulbs.
The new LED bulb is available at . In January, the bulb will be sold at retail alongside GE Energy Smart LED spotlight and specialty bulbs (for example, candle and globe shapes) that have been available to consumers for a couple years.