In recent years there has been a very definite shift in lighting technology.
Gone are the days of installing standard incandescent bulbs in new homes. It’s all LED lights now!
But, are LEDs all they are promised to be?
Should you consider upgrading the lights in your home to LEDs?
Let’s explore the differences between LED and traditional lighting and whether it can actually save you money and energy by switching.
What’s An LED?
LED stands for Light Emitting Diode and is a modern form of lighting. It works by moving electrons along a semiconductor material within the bulb or lighting unit which causes the release of energy in the form of light. It is a process called electroluminescence and produces a bright form of light while consuming minimal energy.
In comparison, an incandescent (or traditional) lightbulb, generates light by passing an electrical current through a thin wire filament. This process heats the filament to a high temperature, causing it to glow and release visible light. Unfortunately, a large portion of the energy used by the bulb is lost as heat, making incandescent bulbs quite inefficient.
Unlike incandescent bulbs, LEDs produce very little heat. Most of the energy is converted into visible light, making them an extremely energy-efficient option.
Will Switching To LEDs Save Money and Energy?
The debate about whether to switch to LEDs often comes down to two key considerations: Will it save me money and will it reduce my energy use?
So, let’s explore those considerations now to see if it’s worth the switch:
Energy Efficiency
Are LEDs actually more energy efficient than their incandescent counterparts? Let’s compare.
- LEDs: LED lights are more efficient, much more in fact! An LED will convert about 95% of the energy they consume into light. That means only 5% is wasted as heat. With this lower level of energy consumption, you’ll see some nice savings on your power bill!
- Traditional Lighting: Incandescent bulbs are at the other end of the spectrum. They are much less efficient with their energy conversion. Only 10% of their energy is converted to light and a whopping 90% is lost to heat!
Winning by a huge margin in the energy efficiency stakes, LED bulbs can produce some serious energy savings when compared to incandescent bulbs.
Lifespan
What are we talking about when it comes to the lifespan of each bulb? Let’s find out:
- LEDs: LED bulbs should last anywhere between 15,000 and 50,000 hours. That means you can expect them to last more than 5 years with normal domestic use. They tend not to last as long in areas where they might be exposed to steam, but frequent switching on and off will not shorten their lifespan.
- Traditional Lighting: Paling in comparison, incandescent bulbs generally only last around 1000 hours, meaning much more frequent replacement is needed.
Lasting 15 times as long as a traditional bulb, LEDs are clearly the winners in the lifespan category.
Cost
Are there really dollar savings to be had when it comes to LED Lighting?
- LEDs: It’s true that installing LED lights will carry more of an initial cost outlay than purchasing standard lightbulbs. However, that cost would soon be negated by the energy you will save and the longer lifespan of an LED bulb. In fact, for every incandescent bulb you replace with an LED, you can save between $100 and $300 across the lifetime of the bulb.
- Traditional Lighting: Incandescent bulbs are certainly cheaper to purchase initially, but that is where the savings end. Their higher energy usage will bump up the cost of your power bill and you’ll end up spending way more in replacement bulbs.
Literally saving you hundreds of dollars in energy and replacement bulb costs, LED lights are the clear winner when it comes to cost.
Environmental Impact
Which lighting option is friendlier to the environment?
- LEDs: LED lights use less energy and last longer than traditional bulbs. So, it makes sense that they have a way smaller environmental footprint. Many LEDs are actually recyclable as they do not contain any harmful substances.
- Traditional Lighting: Due to their higher energy usage and shorter lifespans, traditional lighting is less environmentally friendly. They are also really difficult to recycle and some can even contain potentially harmful components - such as the mercury content in fluorescent lights.
This category is a bit of a no-brainer, LEDs are proven to be better for the environment than traditional forms of lighting because they use less energy and last longer.
Can LEDs Save You Money and Energy?
In short, YES! Switching to LEDs can save both money and energy. While they will cost more to install initially, you’ll soon make that money back with lower energy consumption and less need to replace your LEDs. Along with the other environmental benefits, LEDs are the superior choice to incandescent bulbs.
Another great thing about LEDs is that they can be used in a wide range of settings like residential, outdoor and commercial environments. They also come in a range of styles and colour options, so they are incredibly versatile for various lighting needs.
So, have we convinced you? Is it time to make the switch?
If you are ready to save money and energy with your lighting, then we are ready to make it happen. With a skilled and experienced team that specialises in LED lighting, Retrolec is here to help. Book a time to chat with us today.
