How Much Electricity Do LED Bulbs Use?
As more people shift their work to their homes, there is a rising demand for more efficient lighting. According to statistics, developing countries consume more than 12% of the electrical energy for lighting. One way to cut down power consumption is to use more efficient lamps. LEDs are amongst the best option for managing your electrical consumption. Read on to find out why.
How Much Energy Does an LED Lamp Need?
Light Emitting Diodes are popular for many lighting applications in residential premises. They are particularly suitable for saving energy and managing power bills. When it comes to efficiency, they outperform CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lamps) and incandescent bulbs.
The best way to determine the power consumption of LEDs is to compare their light output with other lamps. In terms of lumens per watts, LED lights outperform most bulbs. Their power rating is between 30 and 90 lumens per watt.
An incandescent bulb produces 10 to 20 lumens per watt, while CFLs produce approximately 60 lumens per watt. A 60-watt incandescent lamp can produce 600 lumens. An LED can produce over 800 lumens of light output while consuming only 10 watts of power.
LED lamps are not only cost-effective because of their consumption, but they also outlast most other lighting options. They can have a lifespan of more than 50,000 hours. That is eight times the lifespan of CFL lamps and 50 times that of incandescent lights.
Why Are LED So Energy-Efficient?
To learn why LEDs are so energy-efficient, we need to understand how they work. A light-emitting diode is a semiconductor that releases photons when an electric current passes through it. They can generate different wavelengths of light, depending on the energy and bandgap of the semiconductor.
The process of passing electricity through the semiconductor generates negligible amounts of heat. Even though the thermal energy is low, it can affect the junction of the semiconductor. Typically, the temperature has to remain under 850 centigrade (1,850 Fahrenheit). For that reason, LED lamp assemblies tend to have cooling features, such as a heat sink or cooling fin.
The semiconductors in LED, however, produce very little heat in comparison to tungsten filaments. Filament lamps release 90% of their energy as heat rather than light. Fluorescent lights can generate up to 80% of heat from the electrical power they consume.
Since LEDs do not generate a lot of heat, they can be ideal for saving energy spent on air conditioning. Filament and fluorescent lamps can raise indoor temperatures increasing your energy consumption. They are more efficient at colder temperatures, making them suitable for freezers and temperature-controlled settings.
Other Cost-Saving Benefits of LED
Another cost-saving benefit of an LED lamp is its durability. Not only does it last for thousands of more hours than conventional alternatives, but its construction is also rugged and tough. LED bulbs can maintain their efficiency even under impact, shock, and vibration.
The durability of LED lights reduces the number of times you have to change bulbs. With a filament light, you may have to change the bulb every month. That is in addition to the high costs of energy the incandescent lamp will consume in that short time.
While the LED bulb is costly than incandescent or fluorescent, you can still save energy and expenses. LEDs do not contain toxic substances such as mercury and are fully recyclable. In recent times, prices have been falling to almost the same price as fluorescent tubes.
The installation of LED is also easier due to its ability to emit light without scattering it. The angle of light makes it suitable as downlights or for task lighting. With the other conventional lamps, you may have to install reflectors to capture light and increase the illumination.
LED lights are compact and require very low voltage to produce light. That makes it easier to install them as strip lights or for remote applications. You can talk to Black Lion Heating & Air Conditioning‘s electrical staff for the dependable installation of track and task lighting.
Residential Applications of LED Lamps
LED is an increasingly popular lighting alternative for a wide range of residential and commercial applications. The sturdiness, longevity, and lamp’s features make it ideal for lighting the kitchen and outdoor areas.
LEDs are often the best choice for durable and efficient under the cabinet lights. These task lights provide illumination in the kitchen, allowing you to see the workspace and read recipes. LEDs are also resistant to moisture, which can affect the performance of other lamps in the kitchen. You can use 5–10 watts of low-power LEDs for a foot of space.
Another reason for using LED lighting in the kitchen is to enhance the ambiance. LED bulbs can produce a wide variety of color temperatures to suit the interior’s aesthetics. You can pick a lamp in the range of 2,500 to 3,500, which accentuates the wooden furnishings in your house. Higher temperatures are ideal for glass and stainless steel tiles.
LED lights do not produce substantial amounts of heat or ultraviolet rays. That is beneficial for lighting applications in a storage space where there are sensitive and perishable goods. In climate-controlled environments, the lamps will have little impact on the environment.
Light-emitting diodes are versatile, and manufacturers fashion them into a wide range of designs. The lamp could be in the form of strip-lights for holiday lighting. Typically, the miniature lamps in most electronics, such as the refrigerator, are LED lamps.
Replacing Your Current Bulbs With LED Lights
You can save your electricity bills by replacing the incandescent and fluorescent lights in your home. For example, downlights are a common feature in modern kitchens, living rooms, and even commercial premises. Every year, consumers purchase 20 million downlights for lighting their homes.
Since LEDs are versatile, they can be designed to replace different types of fixtures. Using an LED downlight can save up to 75% of the electrical power the bulb consumes.
If you are looking to install dimmable lighting, LEDs can offer a much smoother dimming. You can adjust the light from 100% down to 0.5%. However, it requires configurations that may not work with your current dimming system. You can schedule an appointment with Black Lion Heating & Air Conditioning‘s electricians in Kirkland for dependable electrical solutions.
In recent years, manufacturers have also been developing LED bulbs that can replace 40-, 50-, and 75-watt filament lamps. The bulb may have a design that allows it to fit conventional light fixtures. There are also some products that you can use in place of fluorescent tubes.
Besides using energy-efficient light bulbs, you can also save energy by assessing your home’s electrical system. Old appliances, wasteful lights, and ceiling fans could be another reason for your high utility bills. A holistic approach is the best approach to cutting down the energy consumption in your home.
Black Lion Heating & Air Conditioning is your go-to service team for a wide range of electrical solutions in Kirkland. We offer electrical repairs, installations for indoor and outdoor lighting, and generator services. Our highly experienced electricians can handle tasks of any scope or size. We can install and fix electrical outlets, ceiling fans, and security lights, amongst other fixtures. Schedule a service call with our friendly staff for the most dependable electrical services in Kirkland.