viernes, 15 de junio de 2012

LEDs & Energy-Saving Lights


With a push to reduce energy consumption, light-emitting diodes and other energy-saving lights are increasingly desirable and available alternatives to traditional incandescent bulbs. Although more expensive than their incandescent counterparts, LEDs and other energy-saving bulbs cost less to operate over their lifespans because they generate more light with less electricity. The energy savings ultimately offset the cost of the bulb.

LEDs

According to Energy Star, as of 2011, LED bulbs use only 20 to 25 percent of the energy of incandescent bulbs, with efficiency matching or exceeding fluorescent lights . In addition to energy efficiency, a U.S. Department of Energy report notes that the "benefits of LEDs include long operating lifetime, lower maintenance and life-cycle costs, reduced radiated heat, minimal light loss, dimmability, controllability, directional illumination, durability, safety improvements, and light pollution reduction.".

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs

Fluorescent lighting has been around for decades, but compact fluorescent lamps are another energy-efficient replacement for incandescent bulbs. CFLs are simply smaller versions of the long lighting tubes used in commercial and industrial operations. Providing an energy savings of about 75 percent compared to incandescents, these bulbs have come a long way since their introduction. They are now available in a wide variety of styles and a range of colors. Additionally, there are now "instant on" versions, as well as styles suitable for use with dimmer switches.

Halogen Bulbs

Another energy-saving choice, halogen bulbs are incandescents that use halogen gas around the filament; this increases the efficiency and lifespan of the bulb. Halogens use only about 25 percent less energy than a traditional incandescents, however, so are a distant third behind LEDs and CFLs in energy efficiency.

Replacing Lights

To get light quality that is comparable to your old incandescent bulbs, choose energy-efficient bulbs based on the lumens they produce, rather than the number of watts they use. A lumen is simply a measure of the amount of visible light a bulb produces. A traditional 100-watt incandescent bulb produces about 1,600 lumens, for example, so a replacement LED or CFL should have a rating for the same output. As of mid-2011, new light bulb labels will show both a bulb's wattage and brightness in lumens. The labels will also provide information about the bulb's appearance -- if its light looks "cool" or "warm," if it contains mercury, and its estimated energy cost and life expectancy.

Source National Geography. Green Living. LEDs Energy-Saving Lights

by Ann Deiterich, Demand Media

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