LEDs meet (and exceed) 2014 lighting efficiency standards
By Megan McKoy-Noe, CCC, and Brian SlobodaThe year 2014 has ushered in updated lightbulb efficiency guidelines. Congress called for improved energy efficiency standards for traditional incandescent bulbs under the federal Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. By 2014, light bulbs using between 40 watts and 100 watts had to consume at least 28 percent less energy than classic bulbs. The change is projected to save Americans an estimated $6 billion to $10 billion in lighting costs annually. The new wave of standards means traditional 40-watt and 60-watt incandescents are no longer produced.
Some consumers are turning to LEDs (light-emitting diodes).
Incandescent bulbs’ thin wires (filaments) can easily break, as frustrated homeowners can attest. In contrast, LEDs are solid-state lighting — small, packed electronic chip devices. Two conductive materials are placed together on a chip (a diode). Electricity passes through the diode, releasing energy in the form of light.
The Cooperative Research Network of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association has partnered with several electric cooperatives in the U.S. to test LEDs. Researchers are cautiously optimistic that:
Poor quality LED products are flooding the marketplace. Some are manufactured outside of the U.S. with components that produce low light levels. These also don’t have a long service life and may carry exaggerated claims.
Look for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Star logo for guaranteed color quality over time, steady light output over the lifetime, high efficiency and a warranty. Also look for an LED Lighting Facts label. It helps consumers compare products to manufacturer claims and similar products in these five areas:
Some consumers avoid LEDs because of the price tag. But it takes about 50 traditional incandescent bulbs, or eight to 10 CFLs, to last as long as one LED lamp. Curious to know if LEDs are right for you? Visit energysavers.gov/lighting to compare LEDs to new energy-efficient incandescent bulbs and CFLs.
Brian Sloboda is a program manager specializing in energy efficiency for the Cooperative Research Network, a service of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
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