LED lights are very popular thanks to their
versatility and efficiency. Light emitting diodes (LED) are a semiconductor
that converts electricity into illumination. Some people are reluctant to
switch because of the cost and different terminology used when shopping for
LEDs. We asked some experts from Connect Electric Adelaide if they could give us some tips on what LED’s to pick
and how much you can expect to pay.
Choosing Your LED Bulbs
Instead of watts, LEDs work in lumens. Less wattage is
required, so you won’t be searching for a 100w LED light. The equivalent in
lumens will appear much smaller.
For example, a 40W incandescent bulb is equal to a 6W
LED bulb, which is approximately 450 lumens of light output. A 10W LED
generates 1,000 lumens, which is the same as a 75W incandescent bulb. And a 25W
LED produces 2,500 lumens, which is the same as a 150W incandescent light.
There are also several colour options available. Most
LED bulbs are available in warm white, cool white, or natural.
The Cost of LED Lights
The initial cost of an LED is higher than that of the
average incandescent bulb. It may seem counterintuitive from a money-saving
standpoint. However, you must look beyond the initial purchase.
LED bulbs have a very long lifespan, with some
products surviving over 35,000 hours. They are also 85% cheaper to use compared
to incandescent bulbs. They generate less heat, which means that your home’s
cooling system won’t have to consume as much energy to maintain comfortable
temperatures.
If you plan to retrofit your old bulbs with LEDs, then
the cost will vary based on the wattage/lumens and type of product you plan to
use. A 5.3W LED costs over $7 while a 5.5W is almost $12. A standard 10W LED
globe replacement will cost between $12 and $18.
You can also choose LED bulbs with smart technology
that can change colour on demand. These can run upwards of $50 to $80,
depending on brand, quantity, and features.
Are LED Lights Worth the Cost?
According to ThinkProgress the average price of an LED
bulb has dropped by over 85% in recent years and the number of instillations
have skyrocketed. There’s also the long-term cost of operation to
consider.
A high-quality LED bulb costs approximately $4 per
year to run. It would take five or more incandescent bulb replacements to equal the lifespan of one LED.
LED lights are also cheaper to run compared to halogen
bulbs. You’ll spend over $250 more in operation costs and replacements to run
halogen bulbs compared to the price of LEDs.
The savings increase when you apply the replacement
and running costs to your entire household. The average home has around 37
lights. When you multiply the savings, it’s easy to see why LEDs are so
appealing.
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