Cool it with LEDs
Stay comfortable while saving energy and money
It’s always hot in August in Kentucky. There are a number of ways to cool off your home a bit and save some money on your electric bill, but one of the easiest ones is to make sure you’re using light emitting diode commonly known as LED light bulbs instead of any older technology.
More than 90 percent of the electricity used by traditional incandescent bulbs goes into making heat – not light. Your cooling system has to work harder to maintain a comfortable living space when you’re using incandescent lights. In contrast, quality LEDs provide the same brightness as traditional bulbs but produce about 70 to 90 percent less heat.
Roy Honican, Blue Grass Energy's residential services coordinator, offers these additional reasons for making a whole house switch to LEDs:
- Energy efficiency. On average, LEDs consume 80 percent less energy when compared to incandescent light bulbs. That translates to lower electricity bills. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates a single LED bulb will save $55 in electricity costs over its lifetime.
- Long life. LED lights last an average 15 times longer than their incandescent counterparts.
- Cost-effective. Though they cost more initially, LED lights pay off over time through a combination of energy savings, longevity and reduced maintenance costs.
- Environmentally friendly. LEDs contain no harmful mercury and use less energy to produce the same light output as other lamp alternatives, which reduces their impact on the environment.
To ensure you’re investing in quality LED bulbs, remember to look for the ENERGY STAR designation on packaging. These certified light bulbs meet strict quality and efficiency standards.