How Can You Save By Upgrading to LEDs?

Last updated on September 7, 2024

Upgrade to LED lighting for long-lasting savings and better illumination. See how this smart choice can benefit your wallet now!

Key Takeaways:

LEDs consume up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, significantly reducing electricity bills.
LEDs last much longer (25,000 to 50,000 hours) compared to incandescent bulbs, reducing replacement costs.
LEDs emit minimal heat, lowering cooling costs in warmer climates.
Financial incentives and rebates are available to offset the cost of upgrading to LEDs in Australia.

Would you believe that you spend 10% and 40% more on your utility bills due to residential and business lighting needs respectively? Yes, this is confirmed by the Australian Government Energy Department.

Fortunately, it is possible to bring this cost down, but how? The straightforward answer is switching to energy-saving LED lights.

In this post, we will go deep into what LED lights are, how they work, and the specific amounts they can help you save. Pay attention and you will find the exact solution you need to start paying lower utility costs while enjoying maximum benefits.

What is LED Lighting?

In simplest terms, LEDs or Light Emitting Diodes are special types of semiconductors that give out light whenever current flows through them. Unlike traditional incandescent lights, LEDs consume very little electricity because they don’t need to heat any filaments to produce heat – they only need current to flow through them.

Below are the specific ways you can save with LEDs:

LEDs Save Energy with Higher Efficiency

One thing you will love regarding LEDs is their low electrical power demand in contrast to incandescent and compact fluorescent lamps. The Energy Department in Australia says LEDs have a saving potential of up to 75% compared to traditional lights.

The reason for this is simply that traditional lights rely on filaments to produce light. These filaments require a lot of electrical energy to heat up until they are hot enough to give out lights.

On the other hand, LEDs have no filaments to heat. As mentioned, they only need electricity to flow through them and dislodge electrons which then undergo an energy transition process to give out light. This process requires far less energy than heating filaments in incandescent lamps.

The savings through energy efficiency translate into cost savings. When you use less energy, your power bills also go down by the corresponding amount. So, if you used to pay, say $1000 for your lighting alone, now you will only pay 35% of that which translates to $350. Some huge savings there!

Less Replacement and Durability

Another way through which LEDs save money is their durability which leads to less need for replacement. To be precise, the Australian Government, via the Energy Department, says, LEDs run for about 25,000 hours to 50,000 hours. Incandescent lights, on the other hand, will just last between 1,000 to 1,500 hours.

This means you will require more replacements when using incandescent lamps compared to using LEDs. On average, you will replace your incandescents 25 to 50 times more than if you use LEDs.

Let’s consider the case where an incandescent bulb costs $5 in Australia and the price tag on LEDs is $75. By the time your LED bulbs stop working, you have spent somewhere between $125 to $250 on replacements, which is quite a large sum when we’re all trying to be more economical!

Savings on Your Cooling Unit

Additional savings can be achieved on air conditioning costs, after upgrading to LEDs. According to experts, incandescent bulbs waste about 90% of their electrical consumption in the form of heat.

This heat adds to the overall temperature in your home raising it to uncomfortable levels, especially during the hot summer months.

As a result, the cooling unit in your home must work harder to keep the temperature within comfortable levels. This further adds to your already escalating energy bills pushing them higher.

On the contrary, LEDs use nearly all energy on light and emit no heat. This means they will never tamper with your indoor temperature or comfort. Consequently, the burden on your air conditioner will be much lower helping you achieve more savings on utility bills.

Fewer Lights Needed

When it comes to the number of lights you need to properly illuminate a room, you will mostly require fewer lights with LEDs than traditional bulbs. The reason for this is simply that LEDs distribute heat uniformly and only shed light where it’s needed.

With traditional bulbs, light is uniformly distributed and doesn’t focus on target areas. This means a homeowner using these lights will end up wasting light all over, and this can lead to light pollution and energy waste.

Potential Savings on Electrical Repairs

Another advantage of LED lighting is the potential savings on electrical repairs and services.

As indicated earlier, traditional incandescent bulbs are notorious for their short life—they often burn out and need frequent replacements.

This not only means new bulbs to buy but may also lead to frequent calls to your electrician.

On the other hand, LED lights are designed with durability in mind. They have a very long lifespan and are much more durable, with less replacement needed, thus saving you money in the process.

Moreover, the energy efficiency of the LEDs means that they draw less power from your electrical system, hence reducing strain on circuits and the entire wiring system. This reduces the risks of short circuiting, which would result in electrical appliance damage and extensive electrical repairs.

Savings with Australia’s LEDs Government Rebates

The Australian government realizes the benefits associated with LED lighting and hence encourages people to switch to this technology.

One way through which it promotes the adoption of LED technology is through rebates and incentives. These rebates can largely lower the upfront cost of acquiring and installing LED lighting systems.

Some noted examples include:

ESS New South Wales: This program extends subsidies to eligible Aussies, helping them upgrade from existing fluorescent lighting to energy-efficient LEDs. Whether you are upgrading 10 or 200 lights, the value will be $33 as a one-time payment.

VEET Victoria Victorian Energy Efficiency Target: This one takes care of improving energy efficiency and hence provides incentives for switching to LED lighting.

REES—South Australian Retailer Energy Efficiency Scheme: Offers rebates and discounts to both households and business enterprises for switching over to LED lighting. These rebates are particularly meant to cover a significant portion of the installation cost.

The Queensland Energy Savings Scheme: Incentives are provided for the upgrade to higher efficiency products and installation of energy-saving equipment, such as switching to LED lighting in residential and commercial properties.

Upgrading to LEDs to Save Money – The Bottom Line

Upgrading to LED lighting is among the most rewarding ventures any homeowner or business owner could make. Although their upfront cost might be slightly higher than conventional lights, LEDs are really worth it for the long-term savings.

With LEDs, you will enjoy reduced energy bills, reduced replacement cost, increased durability, and potential savings on electrical repairs. Plus, the Australian government will offer you financial support, so you won’t bear all costs alone.

That said, the next step should be to speak to an E-Green Electrical reputable expert to help you install cost-effective, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly LED lighting in your space. Don’t wait any longer – act now and see what a difference modern technology can bring in terms of lighting costs!