It should come as no surprise that electricity and energy in general are projected to become more expensive in the coming years. Traditional sources of power like coal and oil are getting more expensive to procure, and the environmental costs of fossil fuels make them politically unpopular. While installing solar panels is definitely a great long-term plan for reducing your dependence on fossil fuels and saving money, an equally powerful way to trim energy costs is to use LED lighting at home. LED light bulbs are quickly becoming the preferred way to save money on electricity bills.
Why You Should Switch To LED Lighting
Many people are already familiar with the benefits of using CFL or compact fluorescent light bulbs at home to reduce energy usage. A 13W CFL bulb provides the same illumination as a traditional 60W incandescent bulb, and can last up to 10,000 hours. LED lighting is even more energy efficient, thanks to models that use anywhere from 3 to 16 watts depending on the size of the bulb. LEDs are generally good for up to 25,000 hours, and maintain their brightness over the lifetime of the bulb for the most part.
Making The Change
Switching over to LED lighting is quite easy and straightforward for most people. Many LED light bulbs use the same E27 and GU10 sockets that incandescent bulbs do, so all you’ll have to do for the most part is simply screw or fit them into an existing fixture. Whether you’re moving interior lighting or exterior lighting from incandescent to LED, you’ll find that the hardware itself uses the same socket types in most cases.
LED Applications at Work and at Home
One of the biggest benefits of LED bulbs is that they can be used practically anywhere and replace nearly every kind of traditional incandescent bulb you’re currently using. They’re perfect for under-cabinet lighting, overhead office lighting, garden grow lights, exterior house lamps, and more. The best way to get the most out of jeep LED lamps is to use them in areas where secondary or overhead illumination is needed. They cost a bit more than CFLs, so you’ll want to make sure they last awhile. Reserve CFLs for areas where you’d traditionally use incandescent bulbs for direct lighting, such as at a desk.
How To Buy LEDs
LEDs have become so omnipresent in the marketplace that they can be found practically anywhere that traditional incandescent bulbs and CFLs are sold. Amazon and Home Depot are always viable options, and such major retailers typically offer the best price. If you’re a serious bargain hunter, you’ll want to do some additional research online to find the best deals for buying in bulk or for specific models. Whatever you do, make sure that the bulbs you buy are ENERGY STAR qualified LED lights to ensure that you get the utmost quality and value.
Final Thoughts
While LED lights will cost you a bit more upfront, you’ll realize significant savings over time in terms of electricity costs. If you decide to perform a full overhaul of your home or office’s lighting inventory and commit to using LEDs, you’ll see an immediate reduction in utility bills. Furthermore, you won’t have to spend as much time or money buying and stocking replacement incandescent lamps that burn out more quickly. LED light bulbs are an investment, but they’re one that makes prudent fiscal sense when you look at the big picture.
Maxwell Knoll is a licensed electrician who specializes in LED Lighting [httpwww.mattsledge.com]. He recommends to start swapping over to LED Lights now. Especially for new buildings, office or residential, the savings are considerable. On his Website he offers advice on the topic of LED light and has carried together the main online retailers with up to date prices.
