09/10/2024
The writer is owner of Energy Concepts in Duluth, Georgia and an LED Lighting Consultant and supplier of energy-efficient lighting for 40 years. He is also a veteran, an author of 13 books, member of The American Legion and past president of Duluth Civitan Club.
By JL Robb
Light bulbs are heavily regulated by environmental policies of federal and state governments, much to the dismay of those who just want their old light bulbs back. The Thomas Edison, standard-type light bulb is becoming an extinct species, thanks to climate change.
While homes resist the new technology, businesses consume it like it’s chocolate; and they usually don’t “go green” because of the desire to help the environment. Businesses go green to help the bank account. A 12-14-watt LED lamp provides more light than a 100-watt standard bulb. And lasts 15-25 times longer.
As the standard lamps have begun disappearing, new energy-efficient lamps have taken their place. In the ‘80s, the Compact Fluorescent Lamp debuted. Talk about a lamp the world would hate, this was it! Those swirly, ice cream cone-looking lamps never seemed to have the desired color, though they did use much less energy.
Unless you own stock in the electric company, most people want to use less electricity. It’s better for nature; better for the pocketbook. The best way to reduce the electric bill is through LED lighting. Some facts:
Lumens: LED manufacturers often embellish the light output, but as the industry evolves, the efficiency increases (efficacy).
Efficacy references the light output per watt of energy used, or Lumens/Watt. Like miles per gallon, the more lumens per watt, the more efficient the light. A standard, incandescent lamp produces about 12 lumens per watt. An LED lamp gives you 120-160 lumens per watt.
Lifespan: LED lamps have lifespans ranging from 15,000 hours for a standard LED A19 light bulb to 100,000 hours for commercial LED fixtures. Standard light bulb lifespan is 1,000-2,500 hours. Most LED lamps have a five-year warranty against burnout.
Color: One of the most common complaints of new light bulbs is the color of the light. LED is available in all ranges from soft white/warm white to daylight white. This color is indicated on the lamp and the side of the box, i.e., 2700K-3500K (warm white), 4000K cool white, 5000K bright white. Many LED products now have selectable color and/or wattage. LED covers the entire lighting spectrum.
There are many arguments for LED lamp usage. One would be hard-pressed to find an argument against LED lamps. Some consider the price a con, but it is not. An LED lamp is much more complex than the standard lamp. With LED, in most applications, a $1000 investment will save you $500 a year for 8-12 years, until the lamp burns out. PLUS: Many power companies like Georgia Power cover part of the cost with rebates.
LED lights emit very little heat, making them ideal for elevators and conference rooms. Less emitted heat, therefore less air conditioning cost. LED lamps can be disposed of in a trash can and have no mercury.
Recommended LED applications include use in lamps that are difficult to access because of ceiling height or lamps that are ON more than 8 hours/day, i.e. parking decks and parking lots; stairwells; lobbies and atriums.
LED often qualifies for Utility Rebates, making the payback even quicker. Georgia Power has a residential and industrial energy efficiency rebate program for lighting and HVAC upgrades.
In your home, use LED bulbs to replace the lamps that are on the most hours per week. A closet light is not the best application. Start with the kitchen.
LetThereBeLight-LED.com
