LED Light Bulb Cost Benefit Analysis

LED lights have many advantages over traditional lighting methods, these include:

• Low energy consumption - retrofit bulbs range from 0.83 to 7.3 Watts
• Long service life - LED bulbs can last up to 50,000 hours
• Durability – LED bulbs are resistant to thermal and vibrational shocks and turn on instantly from -40C° to 185C°, making them ideal for applications subject to frequent on-off cycling, such as garages and basements
• Directional distribution of light – good for interior task lighting
• No infrared or UV radiation – excellent for outdoor use because UV light attracts bugs
• Safety and environmentally conscious – LEDs contain no mercury and remain cool to the touch
• Fully dimmable – LEDs do not change their color tint when dimmed unlike incandescent lamps that turn yellow
• No frequency interference – no ballast to interfere with radio and television signals
• Range of color – LEDs can be manufactured produce all colors of the spectrum without filters, they can also produce white light in a variety of color temperaturesThere are some current disadvantages to LED lighting:
• LEDs are currently more expensive than more conventional lighting technologies, and may be hard to locate
• LED are very heat sensitive. Excessive heat or inappropriate applications dramatically reduce both light output and lifespan
• LEDs typically cast light in one direction at a narrow angle compared to incandescent or fluorescent lamps so lenses or reflectors are needed in fixtures to broaden the beam (if desired)

The efficacy of a typical residential application LED is approximately 20 lumens per watt (LPW), though efficacies of up to 100 LPW have been created in laboratory settings. Incandescent bulbs have an efficacy of about 15 LPW and ENERGY STAR® qualified compact fluorescents are about 60 LPW, depending on the wattage and lamp type. Some manufacturers claim efficacies much higher than 20 LPW; make sure to examine system efficacy, which accounts for the power use of all components. In December 2006, the U.S. Department of Energy studied the efficacy of four luminaries. All four fell short of the manufacturers’ claims; the study implies that manufacturers are relying on measurements of how much light an isolated LED produces, rather than how much light an LED luminaire actually delivers.

LEDs are better at placing light in a single direction than incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. Because of their directional output, they have unique design features that can be exploited by clever designs. LED Strip Lights can be installed under counters, in hallways, and in staircases; concentrated arrays can be used for room lighting. Waterproof, outdoor fixtures are also available. Some manufacturers consider applications such as gardens, walkways, and decorative fixtures outside garage doors to be the most cost-efficient.

LED lights are more rugged and damage-resistant than compact fluorescents and incandescent bulbs. LED lights don't flicker. They are very heat sensitive; excessive heat or inappropriate applications dramatically reduce both light output and lifetime.

LED's Wide Variety of Uses include:

• Task and reading lamps
• Linear strip lighting (under kitchen cabinets)
• LED Recessed lights/ceiling cans
• Porch/outdoor/LED landscape lighting
• Art lighting
• Night lights
• Stair and walkway lighting
• LED Pendants
• Retrofit bulbs for lamps