Very soon – two months from this blog’s time of writing – a federal ban on the production and sale of incandescent bulbs will go into effect in America. Starting in August, almost all lightbulbs sold for residential use will be LED bulbs. Most people don’t think twice about the types of lightbulbs in their lamps or ceilings, but the reasonings behind the federal ban are solid, and homeowners not taking advantage of the benefits of LEDs are missing out on savings. Today, we will take some time to explain the ban, its effects on your life, and why you, as a Florida resident, should embrace the swap.
Incandescent vs. LED Lightbulbs
So, why exactly is the government so worried about lightbulbs? Without getting into political discussions, the simple reasoning behind the incandescent ban is that LED lightbulbs are equal to or better than incandescent bulbs in almost every single situation. Some of the areas where LEDs shine brighter than incandescent bulbs include:
Lifespan – Incandescent bulbs might work well for 1000 to 1500 hours, but LEDs have been stress tested to be operational for over 100,000 hours. While this might seem excessive, your LED lightbulb will likely continue to work until a more common accident causes its demise, such as someone damaging and shattering the glass.
Energy Efficiency – One of the biggest draws of LEDs, and a significant contributor to the current administration’s position, is the massive improvement in energy efficiency when you go from incandescent bulbs to LEDs. According to the US Department of Energy, LEDs are, at absolute worst, 75% more efficient. Not only does this energy efficiency result in a lower reliance on fossil fuels, but households can expect a decent chunk of savings when they retrofit their house to remove any inefficient incandescent bulbs.
Pricing – Incandescent bulbs might still have a few niche uses, but the real reason they remain popular and on the market is due to their lower initial cost. An incandescent bulb might be sold for as little as one dollar next to a five-dollar LED. However, as mentioned earlier, the energy efficiency of LEDs will lead to lower savings if you use the light for any extended period of time.
Bells and Whistles – The previous three reasons made up the largest chunk of why the government decided to go along with an incandescent ban, but there are still surprising benefits of LEDs that consumers can make use of. For example, the structure of LEDs allows them to be easily designed to support a wide range of colors. They also only emit light in one direction, allowing you to focus light where you need it and save money. For Florida residents who know how important it is to get out of the Sun, you should also know that LEDs give off almost no heat compared to traditional incandescent that can noticeably heat up a small room.
For the average household, lighting costs make up anywhere from 8 to 15% of their monthly energy bill. Significant reductions in price compared to incandescents, plus the other added benefits to your household and the planet, make LEDs the clear choice for Florida residents. Commercial property owners may find even more savings when they replace a large fleet of bulbs with a newer type.
Promise Electric has been serving the Sarasota area for decades and is a trusted partner for many residents and businesses. Contact our trained professionals today for any electrical need – lightbulbs, generators, rewiring, and more.
