NEWSLETTERSIGN-UP

Get the latest and greatest from SupplyLink!

FOLLOW BLOGS

Making The Case For LED Lighting

posted by: Supply Link Fri Dec 12 2010 | 10:20:20 AM
  View print version
Making The Case For LED Lighting
Let’s face it. The century old Edison bulb is a bad deal. The bulb is cheap to buy but expensive to operate. The bulb wastes 95% of its energy. Over its lifetime, a 60-watt incandescent bulb will cost you roughly $20 more in electricity than a comparable LED bulb that uses 7-10 times less electricity.
 
LED bulbs have long been used for colored lights and signage. Now they're seen as effective for general-purpose, white light. With the introduction of LED retrofit bulbs,
 
it’s now easier than ever to make the switch from incandescent, halogen and fluorescent. Here are five reasons to consider making the switch to LED:
 
  1. LEDs are cost-effective to own. LED retrofits have a long rated average life, which helps reduce future bulb purchase costs. Labor costs are also reduced.
  2. LEDs are easy to use.  New traditional lamp shapes mimic the light sources they replace. Just take out the old bulbs, and screw-in or twist-in the LED replacements.
  3. LEDs are better for the environment. LEDs run cool, are energy efficient and contain no mercury.
  4. LEDs are better for people and property. LEDs produce zero UV and infrared (IR). LED retrofits generally won’t spoil inventory or fade merchandise or valuable artwork.
  5. LEDs improve ambience and performance. LEDs offer superior color point consistency.
 
As with any new technology, prices may seem high. But if you evaluate the total cost of ownership over the life span of the bulb, you’ll soon realize that it makes sense to switch to LED.
 
For more information, visit http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/ssl/
 
-John Sladek, MRO Product Writer