How Switching to LED Lighting Can Save You Hundreds
Thursday, October 8th, 2015
The U.S. Department of Energy names the light-emitting diode (LED) as one of today’s most energy-efficient, cost-effective, and rapidly-developing lighting technologies. Compared to traditional lighting sources (such as the incandescent and CFL bulb), LED light bulbs are better in every way; they last longer, are more durable, and provide better light quality.
How are LEDs designed differently than other light bulbs?
LEDs differ from other light bulbs in a variety of ways. First of all, LEDs look like red, green, and blue flecks of pepper, which become the source of the white light. LEDs also emit light in one direction, so trapping and directing light (which is done by reflectives and diffusers) is unnecessary. Other light bulbs need reflectors and diffusers to function as designed and more than half of the light they conduct may never leave the bulb.
In addition to being more effective, LEDs produce very little heat which means they use very little energy while they’re operating. Incandescents, on the other hand, release 90% of their energy as heat while CFLs release 80% (U.S. Department of Energy).
Read more: Top 8 Things You Didn’t Know About LEDs
An energy-efficient light bulb means more money in your pocket!
LEDs use at least 75% less energy than the standard incandescent light bulb and can last 25 years longer, which in turn, saves you money. Take a look at the chart below to see how much you can save by simply replacing out just one light bulb in your home.
For a more detailed breakdown of the savings you will receive by switching to LED lighting, check out this calculator.
Energy-efficient light bulbs benefit the environment too!
The way you choose to light your home can affect the environment in a number of ways, from how much energy you use to the materials that you use to produce such light. LED lighting benefits the environment because it demands less electricity, which in turn reduces the pollution coming from power plants. Some materials (like mercury) are used in other light bulbs can be extremely dangerous to the environment and must be discarded carefully when busted or burned out. The Lighting Research Center is dedicated to reducing the negative effects light energy use, toxic materials, and light pollution have on the environment. Click here to read more of what they have to say about residential lighting.
At McCamy Construction, we believe that even a simple lighting technique can impact your home’s overall design. Check out our photo gallery of new homes for inspiring lighting styles or contact us for more information on how we can use LED lighting to power your next renovation project.
Tags: energy efficiency, environmental awareness, LED light bulbs, Lighting Research Center, modern lighting, U.S. Department of Energy