LED Lighting vs. Incandescent Lights for Commercial Buildings

Thanks to Rob Lobitz, of the LED Lights Warehouse for providing this short write-up on lighting options for commercial applications. His website has additional information on LED lighting.

LED Lighting vs. Incandescent Lights for Commercial Buildings

Whether you are a new or existing business owner, cutting costs is always at the forefront of any owners' mind in order to run a business that is profitable. Consider switching out your old incandescent lights for newer, more energy efficient LED Lights that save roughly 90% energy. When comparing the two light bulbs, first look at their life span, as well as cost per bulb. Also, when considering the amount of light bulbs that your business has, it's essential to not overlook installation costs, as labor costs can sky rocket beyond the cost of your lighting combined. For starters, the average lifespan of an LED light is up to 60,000 hours, compared to an average incandescent light that only lasts about 1,000 hours. The 60 to 1 energy ratio, combined with the money save in bulbs and labor, really make this a sound investment. The average cost for an LED light is roughly $14.99, compared to the same value in incandescent lights, for 60 bulbs at 0.67¢ coming out to $40.20. Secondly, factor in the kilowatt electrical usage data. Although both bulbs typically have a 0.17kwd, that doesn't mean that they suck up the same amount of energy. An average bill per LED light is $20.40, compared to an average incandescent light bill at $652.20. Lastly, consider the labor costs for installing your light bulbs throughout your business. Costs for a handy man can range with an average of $65 an hour, that's $350 a day! With these ratios, it can be safe to assume, that you'd save up to $415,405.01 a year in energy costs. Think of all the possibilities that can mean for your growing business; new quality employees, more machinery, better advertising so on and so forth.

- Robert Lobitz

Posted 11/23/2011