New efficiency standards for incandescent and fluorescent light mean that the traditional bulbs are gradually being phased out. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 outlines the guidelines for bulbs that will no longer pass energy standards.
LED lights are the alternative to incandescent and fluorescent lights and many businesses are making the choice to upgrade their lighting. Conserving energy is paramount to ensuring the longevity of the earth’s resources. Traditional lights consume 20 percent of the world’s electricity; therefore, the move to LED lighting that could reduce the world’s electricity usage by up to 15 percent. The usage of LED lights in your business is beneficial from a variety of angles.
Energy Savings
One of the biggest advantages of LED lighting is energy savings. Many businesses are surprised to learn that a LED light use up to 80 percent less than a normal incandescent or halogen bulb. Businesses actually have control over their energy expenditure and the savings produced through LED light bulbs can be used for many other business priorities. A LED light bulb is cooler than other light sources which can produce a tremendous amount of heat.
Low Maintenance
Maintenance costs on LED light bulbs are nearly non-existent and you will hardly ever have to change a light bulb. LED light bulbs have a lifespan of around 10 to 15 years based on an average 10 hours of usage per day. Even after 50,000 hours, LED light bulbs only lose part of their luminance and do not totally burn out as with incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs. They are also made with durable materials and circuitry that have the added advantage that you will rarely break a bulb.
A Safer Environment
LED light bulbs are definitely the responsible choice when it comes to choosing a lighting source. They contain no mercury unlike other alternative sources on the market like compact fluorescent lamps (CFL’s). CFL’s contains mercury and these lights can leak deadly compounds into the air and water supplies. In addition, LED lights do not emit the type of UV light that can have detrimental effects on our skin.
Improved Productivity
Statistics show that employees that work under LED lights instead of incandescent, halogen and fluorescent light show an increase of up to 8 percent in productivity levels. A study done by Cornell University found that 24 percent of office workers claimed poor lighting as a factoring cause for loss of work due to eyestrain and discomfort. The study reveled a two percent loss of productivity per year for each individual surveyed. In terms of measuring this outcome, it was equivalent to one week’s paid vacation for each employee. By improving the lighting in your workplace, you'll improve productivity and save money.
Potential Tax Savings and Rebates
Upgrades can be depreciated over time and qualify as capital improvements depending on how you financed your LED lighting upgrade. Another option is to claim it as a capital improvement straight-line expense. Many electricity providers also offer rebate programs to encourage energy efficient lighting retrofit projects. These rebates help offset the costs of anl LED lighting upgrade.
Are you ready to make the switch to LED lighting?
