LED lighting is not just about 'going green.' The term 'going green' can swing between two spectrums including the simple act of throwing a plastic bottle into a recycling container, and going completely off the grid with full solar and wind energy, compost system, water recycling and much more. Whether or not 'going green' is important to you, outfitting your home or business with LED lighting comes with more than just the good feeling of giving back to the earth. In this article, we will discuss five reasons why LED lighting is the smartest and most responsible choice for everyone.

1. Energy Cost Savings

Energy efficiency results in cost savings. However, let's start with how efficient LED lights are.

According to an article released by General Electric, commercial lighting designed to replace fluorescent lights use approximately 50% less energy than their ‘power-hog’ counterparts. Residential lighting is at least 75% more efficient than incandescent bulbs according to a report from Statista. However, to put cost into perspective, an article from Scott Alan Turner reports that “If you run a single incandescent bulb 5 hours a day for two years, it will cost you around $32 (depending on your energy rates). Most of that money is spent on electricity. If you run a single LED bulb 5 hours a day for two years, it will cost you $12. But – $9 of that is just for the bulb!”

As was brought out by SAT, there is an upfront investment for LED, and in ‘the long-run,' there are energy cost savings.

2. Maintenance Cost Savings

The Statista report additionally states that LED bulbs last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs! General Electric reports that LED bulbs shine brightly for 30,000 - 50,000 hours! Compare the lifespan of LED to incandescent, and the “standard” light bulb has a lifespan of only 1,000 hours! Over time, and especially with industrial applications, these costs savings will substantially offset any upfront investment in deploying LED lighting throughout the business. 

3. Less Waste By Staying Cool

Longer lasting bulbs means less trash to throw away. However, “waste” goes far beyond our contribution to the landfill each year. The byproduct of a bulb when it is on is light and heat. In an incandescent bulb, almost all of the energy is wasted on heat. When compounded over all fixtures in your home or commercial building, that is a substantial amount of heat. This heat is released into the same area that is being cooled off by your HVAC system. Depending on where you live, converting to LED lighting systems can have a dramatic impact on your bottom line either half of the year or all of it.

4.Cold Temperature Operation

Unlike fluorescent lights, LED lighting technology lends itself to cold temperatures making LEDs the optimal choice for outdoor lighting. Fluorescent lights are more dim and demand more electricity consumption when used outside. In comparison, LEDs are 5% more efficient when in cold temps. If the proper LED lights are installed, they provide better quality light and aesthetically, are more pleasing to the eye.

5. Instant On

Fluorescent bulbs take approximately three minutes. During this time, they use the full amount of electricity needed to power the lamp. LEDs reach 100% brightness the moment that the light is turned on. This benefit has less to do with power savings and more to do with the presentation and operation of the lighting technology. It looks better when you turn on the lights, and they are immediately at full brightness.

Final Thoughts

LED lighting is not only the responsible lighting of our day, but it makes your property look better. General Electric reports that “By 2030, the DOE estimates that LED lighting could save 190 terawatt hours of electricity per year, which equates to a whopping $15 billion.” Why not start saving now by investing in the future by brightening up your home or business with LED lighting!

For more information on LED lighting for your home or business in the Greater Austin, Round Rock, Lakeway, Georgetown, Houston, The Woodlands, Cypress, Sugar Land, Spring, Katy, and Pearland, Texas area, give us a call or CONTACT US by filling out this short form.