No matter how convinced you are of the benefits of switching to LED lights in your home, when it comes time to actually choosing a $30 light bulb over something much cheaper, those convictions quickly turn to doubts.

So here's what to look for when you're in the lighting aisle to ensure you're getting your money's worth, plus a few extra reasons to make the switch, according to Tony Benson, spokesman for Rochester Public Utilities.

LED lighting is already beginning to surpass the quality and efficiency of existing lighting technologies, such as fluorescent and incandescent — but not all LED lighting is created equal.

Some standards to look for:

• UL8750 Safety standard — this was set up for LED equipment for use in lighting products through the Underwriters Laboratory.

• Energy Star logo — Energy star qualified LED lighting must meet specific criteria in brightness, lumen maintenance, color quality and other performance standards.

Benefits of Energy Star Qualified LED lighting

• Saves money on energy bills — uses at least 75 percent less energy than incandescent lighting.

• Lasts a long time — lasts a minimum of 25,000 hours, or 22 years based on average household use.

• Is guaranteed — comes with a minimum three-year warranty — far beyond the industry standard.

• Offers convenient features — available with dimming on some indoor models and automatic daylight shut-off and motion sensors on some outdoor models.

• Is durable — won’t break like a bulb.

• Reduces cooling costs — LEDs produce very little heat.

• Lighting fact label — A voluntary program sponsored by the Department of Energy, the label displays important measures such as light output, efficacy, color rendering and light colors.

Money back

Current Energy Star LED bulbs range in price from $30 to $60 per bulb. RPU is offering a rebate of $10 per bulb for LEDs that are 10 watts and less and $15 per bulb for LED’s that are more than 10 watts. Forecasts show that within two years, the price of a 60-watt equivalent LED bulb will be less than $10.

New lighting legislation

Starting in 2012 and continuing through 2014, standard incandescent light bulbs are going away as a result of U.S. federal lighting efficiency standards:

• 100-watt bulbs can no longer be made in January 2012.

• 75-watt bulbs can no longer be made in January 2013.

• 60- and 40-watt bulbs can no longer be made in January 2014.