"While traditional incandescent light bulbs are considered the cheapest option in lighting, they are normally the least cost-effective. Ninety percent of the energy used goes towards heat, and only 10% of the energy used goes towards light, meaning more money is spent on electricity costs than with a more cost-effective bulb," said Pat Clouden, CEO of CES.
As of January 1, 2014, the United States has begun phasing out incandescent light bulbs in favor of more energy-efficient lighting sources, meaning more and more options for lighting design and customization in LED lighting technology are starting to appear. However, more options could be potentially confusing to the consumer. Consumer Energy Solutions, Inc. (CES), a full-service energy consulting company provides insight as to which factors to take into account when searching for an energy-efficient LED bulb.
CES reports that efficient LED bulbs help the consumer save on electricity costs. For example, assuming one is paying the national average of 12 cents per kilowatt hour, a 10-watt LED bulb will cost about $30 to run over the course of 23 years at three hours per day and will not need to be replaced during that time. Under the same conditions, it would cost $42 to run a 14-watt fluorescent tube, and one would go through three tubes. A 60-watt incandescent bulb would cost $180 to run, and one would go through 21 bulbs during this span of time.
"Even though the price per bulb is higher, switching to LED lights is significantly more cost effective over time," said Clouden. "LED lights can last from 15,000 to 50,000 hours longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs and compact florescent bulbs."
CES advises to keep in mind the following points when choosing an LED light bulb for the home or office:
- Color: In order to find an LED bulb that has a color temperature similar to the incandescent bulbs most people are familiar with, go for a cooler white light at 4,000 Kelvin or a warmer, yellow light at 2,700 Kelvin.
- Brightness: The brightness of a bulb is not determined by wattage, but rather is a measurement of how much energy the bulb draws. Since LED bulbs draw less energy, wattage will not indicate brightness the way it does with an incandescent bulb. The lumen (lm) is the correct system of measurement for determining the brightness on an LED bulb.
- Shape: Take into account the intended function of the bulb when you make your LED bulb purchase. The location of the bulb will dictate which shape you will require. For example, a snow cone shape bulb will only give off light from the top, while an omni-directional bulb will provide a better range of light.
- Price: "A good LED bulb is more of an investment," said Clouden. "But like a good investment, you will start to see a return on your dollar over time." While the price tag may look heftier at first, LED bulbs come with the benefit of a longer life (thus less maintenance expense) and a lower energy bill."
For more information contact:
Pat Clouden, CEO
Consumer Energy Solutions, Inc.
1255 Cleveland Street, Suite 400
Clearwater, Florida 33755
866-683-9723
info@consumerenergysolutions.com
www.consumerenergysolutions.com