switching to LED lights
When considering apartment rentals, apartment hunters often find buildings without utilities included. What you may not know, is that you can save money by switching to LED lights. Here are five quick facts that may help you change your mind.
myth: there’s no selection
Fact: There are light-emitting diodes, better known as LEDs, for every need, including many household appliances, indoor flood lighting, decorative bulbs (chandeliers) and outdoor fixtures. LED bulbs can also be as small as 2 millimetres, making them ideal for fitting into hard-to-reach and compact areas.
myth: they are hard to find
Fact: Retailers across the country (like The Home Depot) carry hundreds of LED products to meet all your household lighting needs. With well-known brands including Cree and Philips, the bulbs are widely available. Additionally, many areas have rebate programs that will ensure the lights are available at a reasonable cost.
myth: switching requires changing existing fixtures
Fact: LEDs currently on the market are designed to fit all types of existing sockets. They work in standard bases that are common with incandescent and halogen installations. In most cases, they are the same size, if not slightly smaller, than the bulbs they replace and do not pose any difficulties when making the switch.
myth: they are too pricey
Fact: LEDs have an incredibly long life, with each bulb lasting an average of 25,000 hours (or approximately 22 years of use), compared to the lifespan of an incandescent light bulb, which is approximately 1,000 hours. Based on lifespan and typical electrical usage, an incandescent light bulb will cost homeowners about $8.00 per year to run, while an LED bulb comes in at only $1.75.
myth: they produce bright blue and blasting light
Fact: Colour temperature describes the visual warmth or coolness of a light source. LED lights are available in a wide range from a bright light or a mellow glow making them suitable for any room. LEDs also offer dimming and colour changing abilities – whether you want to create a natural atmosphere in the kitchen or elegant, ambient lighting in your dining room.
— News Canada