The media has made us aware of environmental issues such as global warming, greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and many more issues concerning our natural resources. We hear so much about recycling and going green. The new technology in light bulbs has an answer to reducing all of these planet-damaging issues. LED light bulbs also have the answer to how to lower your electric bill. Let’s take a look at some of the simple facts.
The initials LED stand for light emitting diodes. The technology, development, and production of LED light bulbs have now made them an affordable, money-saving alternative to traditional incandescent lighting. The compact fluorescent bulb has won the hearts of many homeowners because of its energy efficiency. This is the spiral-shaped light bulb that can be seen in many homes today. Although this new compact fluorescent bulb present many advantages, the LED bulbs far surpass both the incandescent bulb and the compact fluorescent bulb in many categories.
The average lifespan of an LED bulb is 50,000 hours compared to the compact fluorescent bulb at 8,000 hours and the incandescent comes in last at 1,200 hours. The same period of time that it takes a 60 watt incandescent bulb to use 60 watts, the CFL (compact fluorescent bulb) will use 13-15 watts, and the LED will use 6-8 watts. Based on average use of 30 light bulbs of 60 watt strength, the operating costs for each type of bulb would be: incandescent bulbs – $328.59/year, CFL bulbs – $76.65/year, and LED bulbs – $32.85/year. The savings with LED lighting are substantial.
What about the environmental impact of tool less led flood light? Based on the average use of 30 bulbs, the incandescent bulbs gives off 4500 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions each year. The CFL lighting gives off a considerably lower 1051 pounds per year. The LED gives off only 451 pounds per year. This is because the LED bulbs do not heat up like the incandescent and CFL bulbs. The heat produces energy consumption which releases carbon dioxide, sulfur oxide, and nuclear waste into the atmosphere. Also the LED and incandescent lighting contain no mercury or any other toxic substance. The CFL bulbs do contain levels of mercury which is very toxic to your health and the environment.
Other important facts that do affect some types of light bulbs are sensitivity to temperature and humidity. The CFL lighting and the incandescent lighting are both sensitive to extreme heat, to extreme cold, and to extreme humidity. The LEDs are not sensitive to any of these conditions. Another possible issue is the on/off cycling of certain light lighting. The incandescent bulb can show some signs of reduced lifespan when turned on and off quickly, in a closet for instance. The CFL bulb’s lifespan is greatly reduced by such on/off cycling. The LED bulbs are not affected at all by this cycling.
The amount of light that a bulb produces is measured in lumens. A 60 watt incandescent light will put out 800 lumens. A 13-15 watt CFL light will produce the same. A 6-8 watt LED light will produce the same 800 lumens. The LED bulbs are also more durable than its two counterparts. The LED bulb can take some jarring and bumping and are not as fragile as the filaments inside the incandescent lights and the glass CFL lights. These both can break very easily.
The facts speak for themselves. The LED light bulbs help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and lower electric bills for homeowners and businesses. Although the initial purchase price of LED bulbs begin at $18.00, the real savings and benefits will soon be realized. As production and demand increase, no doubt these prices will begin to fall. Many homeowners and businesses are starting out replacing the most heavily used lights first with LED lights.
There is a better alternative to traditional incandescent energy- consuming lighting. LED lighting is a money-saving, energy- efficient alternative and is just another way to help preserve our natural resources. Help purify the atmosphere, help preserve our environment, save money by going green with LED lighting.
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