Posted by: Dennis Hinkamp on Dec 18, 2009
Energy Saving Lights for this Year and Next
Writer: Julene Reese, 435-797-0810
Contact: Lou Mueller, 435-587-3239
ENERGY-EFFICIENT HOLIDAY LIGHTING A BRIGHT IDEA
LOGAN —With so many decorative lighting products available, it is important to be aware of those that will save on energy costs. Many consumers are still using conventional incandescent lights or mini-lights for their holiday decorating, but using light emitting diode or LED lights can save a substantial amount of money.
According to Lou Mueller, Utah State University Extension family and consumer sciences agent, it costs $9.26 to light an 8-foot Christmas tree with 125 incandescent bulbs for 5 hours a day for 30 days (at 8.23 cents per kilowatt hour).
But the same 8-foot tree lit with 280 LED bulbs for the same length of time and same energy rate will cost a mere 17 cents — a savings of $9.09, Mueller said.
“LED lighting can shave 80 to 90 percent off the cost of standard incandescent lighting,” said Mueller. “Savings add up in a hurry when you use LED lights for holiday decorating indoors and out.”
In addition to lower energy consumption and cost savings, LED lights offer a longer life span, she said. They burn up to 100,000 hours for indoor use and 50,000 hours for outdoor use. Many brands also offer a lifetime warranty. Non-combustible LED lights are cool to the touch, and their epoxy lenses are virtually indestructible.
“Since LED lights were introduced in 2002, manufacturers have improved product lines so that today they offer many varieties,” Mueller said. “Strings come with white or green wires and anywhere from 35 to 300 white or multi-colored bulbs.”
Mueller said LED colors vary from incandescent colors because chemicals are used to tint the bulbs. Incandescent bulbs are painted. LED lights also come in a variety of shapes and sizes including icicle lights and ropes. LED lights can twinkle and even change colors.
“Although the initial purchase price of LED lighting is higher than standard incandescent lighting, the cost of operating energy-efficient lights over time returns savings season after season,” she said. “They are definitely worth the investment.”
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