Post on 12-Sep-2014
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LED Lights vs. Incandescent Lights vs. CFLs
What are LEDS?
LEDs, or light–emitting diodes, are semiconductor devices that produce visible light when an electrical current is passed through them.
LEDs are a type of Solid State Lighting (SSL), as are organic light–emitting diodes (OLEDs) and light–emitting polymers (LEPs).
How is LED lighting different than other light sources, such as incandescent and CFL?LED lighting differs from incandescent and compact fluorescent lighting in several ways. When designed well, LED lighting can be more efficient, durable, versatile and longer lasting.
LED lighting products use light emitting diodes to produce light very efficiently. An electrical current passed through semiconductor material illuminates the tiny light sources we call LEDs. The heat produced is absorbed into a heat sink.
Common LED colors include amber, red, green, and blue. There is actually no such thing as a “white” LED.
To get white light the kind we use for lighting our homes and offices, different color LEDs are mixed or covered with a phosphor material that converts the color of the light.
The phosphor is the yellow material you can see on some LED products. Colored LEDs are widely used as signal lights and indicator lights, like the power button on a computer.
LEDs are now being incorporated into bulbs and fixtures for general lighting applications. LEDs are small and provide unique design opportunities.
Some LED bulb solutions may look like familiar light bulbs and some may not but can better match the performance of traditional light bulbs.
Some LED light fixtures may have LEDs built–in as a permanent light source.
Energy Efficiency and
Costs
Life Span (Average)
LEDs Incandescent Light Bulbs
Compact Fluorescents
(CFLs)
50,000 hours 1,200 hours 8,000 hours
Watts of electricity used (equivalent to 60 watt
bulb).
LEDs use less power (watts) per unit of light generated
(lumens). LEDs help reduce greenhouse gas emissions
from power plants and lower electric bills
LEDs Incandescent Light Bulbs
Compact Fluorescents
(CFLs)
6 - 8 watts 60 watts 13-15 watts
Kilo-watts of Electricity used
(30 Incandescent
Bulbs per year equivalent)
LEDs Incandescent Light Bulbs
Compact Fluorescents
(CFLs)
329 KWh/yr. 3285 KWh/yr. 767 KWh/yr.
Annual Operating Cost
(30 Incandescent
Bulbs per year equivalent)
LEDs Incandescent Light Bulbs
Compact Fluorescents
(CFLs)
$32.85/year $328.59/year $76.65/year
Environmental Impact
Contains the TOXIC Mercury
LEDs Incandescent Light Bulbs
Compact Fluorescents
(CFLs)
No NoYes - Mercury is
very toxic to your health and the environment
RoHS Compliant
LEDs Incandescent Light Bulbs
Compact Fluorescents
(CFLs)
Yes Yes
No - contains 1mg-5mg of
Mercury and is a major risk to the
environment
Carbon Dioxide Emissions
(30 bulbs per year)
Lower energy consumption
decreases: CO2 emissions, sulfur
oxide, and high-level nuclear waste.
LEDs Incandescent Light Bulbs
Compact Fluorescents
(CFLs)
451 pounds/year
4500 pounds/year
1051 pounds/year
Important Facts
Sensitivity to low
temperatures
LEDs Incandescent Light Bulbs
Compact Fluorescents (CFLs)
None Some
Yes - may not work under negative 10
degrees Fahrenheit or over 120
degrees Fahrenheit
Sensitive to humidity
LEDs Incandescent Light Bulbs
Compact Fluorescents (CFLs)
No Some Yes
On/off Cycling Switching a CFL
on/off quickly, in a closet for
instance, may decrease the
lifespan of the bulb.
LEDs Incandescent Light Bulbs
Compact Fluorescents
(CFLs)
No Effect Some Yes - can reduce lifespan drastically
Turns on instantly
LEDs Incandescent Light Bulbs
Compact Fluorescents
(CFLs)
Yes Yes No - takes time to warm up
Durability
LEDs Incandescent Light Bulbs
Compact Fluorescents
(CFLs)
Very Durable - LEDs can handle
jarring and bumping
Not Very Durable - glass or filament can
break easily
Not Very Durable - glass can break
easily
Heat Emitted
LEDs Incandescent Light Bulbs
Compact Fluorescents
(CFLs)
3.4 btu's/hour 85 btu's/hour 30 btu's/hour
Failure Modes
LEDs Incandescent Light Bulbs
Compact Fluorescents
(CFLs)
Not typical SomeYes - may catch
on fire, smoke, or omit an odor
Light Output
Output LEDs Incandescent Light Bulbs
Compact Fluorescents (CFLs)
Lumens Watts Watts Watts
450 4-5 40 9-13
800 6-8 60 13-15
1,100 9-13 75 18-25
1,600 16-20 100 23-30
2,600 25-28 150 30-55
For more about LED lighting and our LED energy savings programs for businesses in the Caribbean, visit
http://www.reelcaribbeanenergy.co
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