IS USING LED MAKING A

DIFFERENCE?
If you have found yourself in the market for new light bulbs recently, you have
likely faced what seem like infinite options. Recent innovations have brought us all kinds
of new light technology. When you simply need a new bulb for your living room, how do
you know that you are making the right decision? Which light bulbs are designed to be
better for the environment and to help us cut back on our electric bills? What are the
options when it comes to light bulbs? First, incandescent bulbs. These are the
old-fashioned, typical bulbs that many of us grew up with. They are not very
energy-efficient and they do not last long. Second, LEDs. LED bulbs are very
energy-efficient but still maintain the look and feel of an incandescent bulb.
Incandescent and LED bulbs all require different amounts of energy. But it is LED bulbs
that you should be paying attention to.

What is LED? Technically, LED stands for “Light-Emitting Diode.” They are tiny
semiconductors (diodes) wrapped in plastic to protect the elements and focus the light.

How is LED different from incandescent? Easily the most significant advantage
of LEDs when compared to Incandescent, solutions is the long life span. The average
LED lasts 50,000 operating hours to 100,000 operating hours or more. While the average
bulb lasts around 1,200 operating hours. LED has been known for better energy
efficiency. LED is estimated to be between 80-90% efficient on energy than the
Incandescent bulb. LEDs convert around 95% of the total energy to light and the other
5% to heat. In comparison, the Incandescent converts just 5% to light, and the rest 95%
turns to heat. The initial cost for LED is higher than the others. So, people may still
hesitate to pay the higher price for LED. But it is worth it. Because due to their energy
efficiency and long life, they actually cost less than any other bulb type. Let me do a
simple calculation to compare the efficiency and savings from different bulbs. I will
assume that I have got a 100-watt Incandescent bulb, just to keep the math easy, and
that a kWh of energy costs 15 cents. Incandescent, a 100-watt Incandescent bulb
running for a full year would use 876 kWh of energy, which would cost $131.40 in
electrical costs. Keep in mind that you also need to replace the bulb, once a month. LED,
it would only take a 16-watt bulb to emit as much light as a 100-watt Incandescent bulb,
and it would use only 140 kWh of energy over the year. The electric cost would be just
$21. Oh, and one LED would last the entire year.

I am sure that LEDs are way better for the environment than their Incandescent
forefathers. But that does not mean you have been convinced to make the switch. If you
are still teetering on the fence between LED and Incandescent, then here are some
facts. According to LED Lights Unlimited (2020) The United States Department of
Energy lists LEDs as one of today’s most energy-efficient and rapidly-developing lighting
technologies. LEDs have become a favorite new illuminator for homes, holidays,
businesses, and more. And the students at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania did
the math. They found that as much as 80% of the electricity in Incandescent bulbs is
converted to heat, not light. LEDs, on the other hand, convert 80-90% of their electricity
into light, ensuring that your energy is not going to waste. Lastly, the US Department of
Energy compared the average bulb life of Incandescent bulbs and LEDs. Traditional
Incandescent bulbs lasted 1,000 hours while LED bulbs lasted 25,000 hours.

In conclusion, you can save a lot of time and money in recurring maintenance
expenses by investing in LED that will last 2-10 times as long as any other light.
Although LED costs tend to be a bit higher on the front end, the long lifespan makes up
for this several times over. Purchasing LED is very much an investment, along with the
longer lifespan typically comes a longer product guarantee (warranty) and significantly
reduced maintenance expenses and hassle.