Incandescent vs. Halogen vs. LED Landscape Lighting

Below is a chart/illustration of the vast difference in energy costs for the different types of lighting. I’m passionate about the new LED on the market and I’m always encouraging my clients to make the change. In a previous post, I discussed how one client in particular made the change from halogen low voltage landscape lighting to L.E.D. landscape lighting reducing his energy usage by 88%.

I put together this chart to illustrate how the simple change made such a powerful impact. To keep it simple, the quantity for each type of light is equal to one (for example, one 60 watt incandescent will cost $12.23 per year). The calculations are based on a landscape lighting system running for 7 days a week, 4 hours a day and paying .14 kWh (this is for illustration purposes and not intended to confirm exact costs).

This snapshot is a good indication of how the energy industry is becoming more efficient. These numbers become even more significant when you up the quantity (run 10 incandescent @ 60 watts each and pay $122 per year).

As always, my goal is to present quality information in a non-technical format. Hope this helps.

Take care,

LaGina

In the LED Lighting 101 Guide by Greg Thorson, of  Home and Living Examiner,  he clearly explains the different types of lights and what makes them energy efficient. He also does a great job explaining the properties of LED Lighting. Most of us are aware that lighting is one of our biggest home and businesses expenses and LED lighting is one solution.

LED is a new technology and many folks are just starting to hear about it. We’re familiar with compact fluorescent and by now have a good idea how they work. With LEDs, we’re moving one step further into the realm of ultimate energy saving efforts.

I’m excited to find more and more discussions as it relates to LED landscape lighting. Landscape lighting can consumes a good amount of energy and now we can add to the conservation effort. Our fixtures will save up to 80% on energy costs, are environmentally friendly and sustainable (upgradeable).

Thorson states, “Obviously, cutting power consumption saves money. There’s another benefit: Power plants in many areas are running out of capacity, so communities are facing tough decisions about who wants the next power plant in their backyard. Most utilities in areas where population is growing are doing what they can to curb demand, not just to save money, but to avoid having to build new plants.”

In other posts I’ve talked about using timers, and gave examples of the incredible impact LED landscape lighting has on our energy conservation efforts, and I’m happy to pass along this guide as well. Consider it’s content and take to heart the little things we can do that make a great impact for all.

Read the full article…

LaGina Glass

Loves Butterflies

If  you haven’t already heard about L.E.D. I’d have to ask you, “Where have you been.” Years ago we were flooded with industry news about the features and benefits of switching to fluorescent lights to save energy and enjoy longer lasting bulbs. Well prepare because L.E.D. is the New Fluorescent!

L.E.D. (light emitting diodes) are being used in various applications (TVs, street signs, recessed lights, under cabinet lights, etc.) including, my favorite application, landscape lights. If you have a landscape lighting system, you may want to consider upgrading to LED. No more bulbs to change and upgrading is as easy as removing the old and adding the new.

The energy savings is astounding (not to mention the low-no maintenance aspect). LEDs low wattage factor allows you to replace a 20 watt halogen with a 3 watt LED and still have the look, safety of security you require. That’s an immediate 17 watt difference per fixture; you do the math!

Installing (or replacing) LED landscape lights requires none of the fancy/complicated wiring associated with halogen lights. Our LED fixtures operate between 10 and 15 volts and maintain even brightness down the line. All of this leads to smaller transformers (fewer watts), less wiring (can be connected on one line/run) and no bulbs = money saved!

Visit our store for more info…

Thanks for visiting,

LaGina

Loves Butterflies!