LEDs and the Cold

All of the different lighting systems respond in various ways to temperature.  LEDs are no exception.  LEDs like the cold, in fact the colder the better for their light output and length of life.  LED's in meat freezers, deli cases and beverage coolers do very well.  On the other hand LEDs do not light the heat.  One of the main reasons for the premature failure of LED's is excessive heat damaging the driver.  With this in mind manufacturing facilities where there can be high temperatures because of equipment or, commercial kitchens with heat from ovens, exterior lighting on a hot roof are all examples of where the LED will not experience its full light output or life.  As with all lighting systems the environment it will be functioning in needs to be a major consideration to be sure that you choose the appropriate one and are able to maximize the life and quality of light output.

Exterior Lighting on during the day?

Drive around any city during daylight hours and you will see poles and building exteriors with their lights on.  This is costing the businesses in a couple of ways.  It will wear out the bulb and internal components twice as fast so they will be paying double for repairs and new parts.  They are also paying twice as much for their electricity bill on wasted light.

Most common causes of lights being on during the day is a problem with the photo cell or if it is on a timer it could be as simple as resetting or adjusting it.  Lighting does have an impact on a businesses bottom line, make sure that you are not spending money on exterior lighting that is not needed in the daylight!

Incandescent, CFL or LED

This is the question you face when you need to purchase new lighting.  I will show you a comparison for a 60 Watt A19 – a standard light bulb for residential usage.

The incandescent bulb costs roughly $1.50 will last at 8 hours a day for 3-4 months.  Electricity cost per year is about $16.00.  This bulb is very hot to touch as most of the energy that is required to operate this bulb (60 watts an hour) is converted to heat.

A CFL equivalent costs from $2.50 - $4.00, and at 8 hours a day will last 2-4 years. Electricity cost per year is about $3.25.   Drawbacks for the CFL is that it contains mercury, has a slow warm up- is not an instant on, most are not dimmable and it is not intended to be turned on and off frequently as this will shorten it’s life.

The LED replacement costs about $7.00, are rated for 10-20 years of use at 8 hours a day.  Electricity cost is about $2.75 a year.  The LED bulb cost more upfront and not all are dimmable and excessive heat will shorten the life of the LED.  LEDs like cooler temperatures so consider this when you are choosing to go with the LED.

There is no perfect light bulb, you need to consider how you will be using the bulb (do you want it to dim, is it in a high heat area, how long it will be on at a given time) and what your budget is for purchasing and for annual utility costs.

This was part of a presentation I gave to #springChicks, #ChicksConnect, #Mastermind, #LED, #CFL, #EnergySavings in May 2015.

LEDs Shining Bright But Can You Dim Them?

With all of the excitement and amazing options and energy savings available with LEDs there may be a downside, the ability to dim them.  There are many reasons people like dimming their lights, ambiance, a warmer light and energy savings.  With most LEDs when dimmed they do not change to a warmer color (there are new ones coming out that will be able to change), also incandescents when dimmed drop about 24% or more in light output, LEDs light output diminishes 10% or less.  For both light sources there is an increased life when dimmed although with the extended life of LEDs this is not an important factor. Be aware that LEDs may not work with your current dimmer, it is recommended that you replace your dimmer when switching to LEDs and be sure that it is compatible with the LED you are choosing to install.