New LED Light Bulbs Are Brighter and More Efficient
11/3/2011 at 8:14:31 AM
I just installed our first LED light bulb in our home.
Yes the same idea as a LED flashlight that has many little bulbs. Those numerous bulbs make a bright light shine from your flashlight now work very well in a household bulb.
I'm very impressed with the new product for numerous reasons.
The 60 watt equivalent only uses 12 watts of electricity and emits a very warm soft white light. Very similar to regular incandescent bulbs.
It turns on at full intensity instantly which those CFL's sure don't. Sure great for stairways!
The LED bulbs can be used in dimming light fixtures which most CFL's aren't. And the LED dimmable bulb does not hum like a dimming CFL.
These bulbs are reported to last 20 plus years which makes changing the open concept 2nd story ceiling fixture less of a hassle.
One test will be our cold Canadian winters. How will they work in the porch light at -20C? As you know heading out on a cold winter morning it would be nice to have some light.
Dave
Owner 360renos
phone 613.429.5000
mobile 613.282.2124
11/3/2011 at 6:35:06 PM
Hi Dave
How did you find the cost of the lamp? What are your thoughts on ROI?
Cheers
John
John Kuehnl-Cadwell
Master Electrician
Datawise Solutions Inc
11/4/2011 at 7:39:14 AM
Good Morning John,
The LED bulb was pricey at $29.98 but like CFL's they will come down over time and as more manufactures come on-line. I sure wouldn't want to re-lamp my entire home in one shot. I will do it though as existing bulbs burn out.
Another area I was very impressed was the many varieties of LED bulbs available for the numerous applications out there. LED bulbs available as floods, PAR 20, GU 10, etc. I love it that my customers don't have to retro fit light fixtures to accommodate the new bulbs. Have you seen any 3 way LED bulbs available yet John?
So I did some math on the LED ROI because you got my curiosity peaked with your question.
For a lamp that's on six hours a day, that would give us 12 watts x 6 hours x 365 = 26.3 kWh. At $.092 per kWh (mid -peak price) that's $2.42 a year to operate. Subtract that from $12.09 (incandescent cost) and that's a savings of $9.67 a year.
The bulbs packaging says it has a lifespan of 25,000 hours, it should theoretically last for about 11 years in this application. Over 11 years, we would otherwise have to buy 22 incandescents, for a cost of $16.50, or about $1.50 each year. With the annual savings of $9.67 in energy and $1.50 in bulbs, the LED will pay for itself in just under three years.
Not bad!
I could see these bulbs being very beneficial in commercial applications which need a lot of light. It would be a huge cost savings for them.
I'm definitely looking forward to being able to provide my customers with an alternative solution now.
Enjoy your day John
Dave
613-429-5000 or
Cell 613-282-2124
1/20/2012 at 11:50:52 AM
As for your cold weather comment, look at those LED xmas lights running all night long! LED lights are great invention. I've had a few on the outside for over 2 years and still shining like new. The rear one only draws 2 watts and has been on that whole time (yes I'm testing the 25000 hour theory). ;)
I replaced 45x 100watt reflector pot lights to LED style for $1500, already saved the electricity consumption to cover the cost of the retro kits, shame the old 6" pot trims seem so large compared to that little LED lamp!!
1/22/2012 at 8:08:50 PM
Hi Rob,
Your right about the exterior Christmas lights. LED have been a great invention!! I'm impressed with manufacturers that are driving new initiatives with the technology.
Let us know when that light you have on 24/7 burns out ... I'm curious.
Dave
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