by Jeb Kopera, IAMU Intern
Installing energy efficient light bulbs is one of the simplest and easiest ways to save money and energy. After the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 laid out significant changes to lighting standards, incandescent bulbs began phasing out due to the policy to increase lighting efficiency by 30% . In response, compact fluorescent lamps, or CFLs, became a leading powerhouse for residential lighting. CFLs provide longer lifespans, and a significant energy savings compared to incandescent bulbs.
Today CFLs have become a staple to residential lighting; however, a new type of lighting has recently emerged as a challenger. Enter the LED lamp.
Installing energy efficient light bulbs is one of the simplest and easiest ways to save money and energy. After the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 laid out significant changes to lighting standards, incandescent bulbs began phasing out due to the policy to increase lighting efficiency by 30% . In response, compact fluorescent lamps, or CFLs, became a leading powerhouse for residential lighting. CFLs provide longer lifespans, and a significant energy savings compared to incandescent bulbs.
Today CFLs have become a staple to residential lighting; however, a new type of lighting has recently emerged as a challenger. Enter the LED lamp.
If you haven’t heard about Light-Emitting Diodes, or LEDs for short, these lights will be paving the way to a brighter future. LEDs, also known in the marketplace as solid state lighting, are becoming much more competitive due to an increase in product diversity, high efficiency, long life, and continually decreasing price.
When comparing LEDs to CFLs, the competition doesn’t even exist. LEDs are the best light bulb for going green and reducing electric bills. LED bulbs typically have lower wattages than even CFLs, and they have an incredibly long life span. LED bulbs last an average of 50,000 hours compared to the CFLs lifespan of around 8,000 hours.
Another feature that makes LEDs more efficient is that the light source is directional, which allows more of the light to be focused on the area being lit. Whether you’re using a CFL or incandescent, a significant portion of the light is wasted because it does not leave the fixture. LEDs also produce a significantly lower amount of heat than its two counterparts leading to reduction in cooling costs. LEDs contain no hazardous materials, and don’t have the disposal and cleanup concerns associated with CFLs. An average LED bulb will prevent approximately a half ton of greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere.
Currently LEDs at the store may cost more than CFLs, but in the long run, they will save money due to their long lifespan. The price of LED bulbs continues to drop as new products are introduced to the market. LED bulbs are currently available to replace 40W, 60W, and 75W traditional incandescent lightbulbs as well as a variety of specialty bulbs. IAMU even has a great way to save money when purchasing these lights through the Lighting Joint Purchase. For more information CLICK HERE.
When looking towards your next purchase of lightbulbs, consider LEDs as the next investment to a more energy efficient and cost effective purchase.
When comparing LEDs to CFLs, the competition doesn’t even exist. LEDs are the best light bulb for going green and reducing electric bills. LED bulbs typically have lower wattages than even CFLs, and they have an incredibly long life span. LED bulbs last an average of 50,000 hours compared to the CFLs lifespan of around 8,000 hours.
Another feature that makes LEDs more efficient is that the light source is directional, which allows more of the light to be focused on the area being lit. Whether you’re using a CFL or incandescent, a significant portion of the light is wasted because it does not leave the fixture. LEDs also produce a significantly lower amount of heat than its two counterparts leading to reduction in cooling costs. LEDs contain no hazardous materials, and don’t have the disposal and cleanup concerns associated with CFLs. An average LED bulb will prevent approximately a half ton of greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere.
Currently LEDs at the store may cost more than CFLs, but in the long run, they will save money due to their long lifespan. The price of LED bulbs continues to drop as new products are introduced to the market. LED bulbs are currently available to replace 40W, 60W, and 75W traditional incandescent lightbulbs as well as a variety of specialty bulbs. IAMU even has a great way to save money when purchasing these lights through the Lighting Joint Purchase. For more information CLICK HERE.
When looking towards your next purchase of lightbulbs, consider LEDs as the next investment to a more energy efficient and cost effective purchase.
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