By now, most people have a fairly good understanding of the energy efficiency benefits LED lighting has over traditional lighting systems. LED lighting has grown increasingly more popular due to the numerous enhancements achieved from upgrading, particularly in commercial settings. Major companies like Wal-Mart, Google, and IKEA have already seen the reward from their LED investments. Additionally, we are seeing more schools and universities make the switch to LEDs, as well as sporting venues and even city municipalities. Thanks to a decline in pricing over the last few years, LED lights have also been made more accessible for homeowners, another factor in generating awareness of their superiority over incandescent bulbs.
No longer a "trend", LED lighting technology is the way of the future. Between the continual rise in energy cost and the government imposed bans on a number of inefficient light bulbs, companies are turning to LED as a better way to light their facilities. The benefits from making the switch are clear, and in some cases easy to see, but some benefits may not be as apparent.
LEDs have a longer lifespan than incandescent
With a lifespan of 50,000 hours of illumination, LEDs will last substantially longer than the typical 2,000 hours of most traditional bulbs. In addition to the money saved in annual utility cost, LEDs have the potential of saving a facility thousands each year on maintenance cost due to their longevity.
LEDs reduce carbon emissions
LED technology has the capability of reducing energy consumption by up to 70%. This amount of reduction would have a huge savings impact on utility spending. Drew Hendricks writes an example of this savings in his article for Business2Community.com, "Buckingham Palace turned to LEDs for their ceiling lights... illuminating the official residence of the Queen of England uses less electricity than making a cup of tea."
Additionally, consumers in our green-tech savvy world care if the companies they do business with are environmentally friendly. A recent Neilson Study found that a growing number of consumers worldwide are willing to pay more for products and services from companies that are committed to positive social and environmental impact.
LEDs enhance visibility and provide better visual acuity
The difference in the quality of light produced from LED bulbs vs traditional technologies is undeniable. LED bulbs provide a high level of uniformity of illumination, minimizing shadows and color abnormalities. Use of a higher quality light has the ability to minimize errors, enhance safety for customers and employees, and has even been shown to have a positive affect on company personnel morale. In addition, LED lighting will simply enhance the overall aesthetic look of your office or showroom.
With recent changes being made to KCP&L's Energy Efficiency Rebate Program, there truly is no time to waste to get started with your facility's lighting upgrade. The benefits of switching to LED lighting are easy to see. Contact an energy efficiency expert from our office to see how your facility could benefit.