Why Should You Use Them?
LEDs offer the potential for cutting general lighting energy use nearly in half by 2030, saving energy dollars and carbon emissions in the process. Their unique characteristics—including compact size, long life and ease of maintenance, resistance to breakage and vibration, good performance in cold temperatures, lack of infrared or ultraviolet emissions, and instant-on performance—are beneficial in many lighting applications.. Residential LEDs use at least 75% less energy, and last 25 times longer, than incandescent lighting. LEDs emit light in a specific direction, reducing the need for reflectors and diffusers that can trap light. This feature makes LEDs more efficient for many uses such as recessed downlights and task lighting. With other types of lighting, the light must be reflected to the desired direction and more than half of the light may never leave the fixture.
LEDs produce about 70% less heat, so it’s safer to operate and can cut energy costs associated with home cooling. In comparison, incandescent bulbs release 90% of their energy as heat and CFLs release about 80% of their energy as heat. White LED lighting products are expected to have a useful life of 30,000 to 50,000 hours or even longer. A typical incandescent lamp lasts about 1,000 hours; a comparable CFL, 8,000 to 10,000 hours; and the best linear fluorescent lamps, more than 30,000 hours.
Earning the ENERGY STAR certification means the product meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Lighting products that have earned the ENERGY STAR label deliver exceptional features, while using less energy. Saving energy helps you save money on utility bills and protects the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Where Can You Find Them?
LEDs have a variety of applications. LEDs can be found in street lights, parking garage lighting, walkway and other outdoor area lighting, refrigerated case lighting, modular lighting, and task lighting. Recessed downlights are commonly used in residential kitchens, hallways, and bathrooms, and in a number of office and commercial settings. Decorative LED light strings, such as Christmas lights have also become common. These fixtures can be found at most home centers, lighting showrooms, and specialty stores.
- Local hardware stores (Menards, Lowes, Ace, Home Depot)
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Emmett-Scharf Electric Co.
1005 E. Lafayette St, Bloomington
309-664-1111 -
Springfield Electric Supply Co.
902 Four Seasons Rd, Bloomington
309-663-5331