Think about the lamps and light fixtures around your home. How many of them use old incandescent bulbs? While they may have a low sticker price in stores, these energy-guzzling bulbs are taxing your pocketbook in electricity and replacement costs.
That’s where LEDs come in. LED bulbs and fixtures use 80 per cent less electricity than incandescents and last between 15 and 25 years. Incandescent bulbs only last around one year – you would have to buy up to 25 of them to do the same job as one LED. So not only do LEDs cost less to operate, but they don’t have to be replaced nearly as often.
Aside from saving energy and money, LEDs are versatile. You can easily find the right shape, style and colour for every area of your home. Whether you need a reflector bulb, a pot light or an outdoor security fixture, LEDs have you covered.
It’s important to read the product packaging to make sure you’re buying the perfect bulb or fixture for your needs. Here are a few things to look for when shopping for LEDs:
Colour temperature
Light colour, or colour temperature, is measured in degrees Kelvin (K). The higher the K, the cooler the light. Bulbs and fixtures between 2,700K and 3,000K give off a warm, ambient light that’s ideal for your living room or bedroom. For a colour more closely resembling daylight, look for bulbs and fixtures around 5,000K. This cooler light is best suited for task-oriented areas such as your office or garage.
Light output
While watts measure the amount of energy needed to power a bulb, lumens measure the light output. More lumens means more light output.
ENERGY STAR® symbol
ENERGY STAR certified LEDs go through rigorous testing to ensure they perform efficiently and last a long time. To make sure you’re getting the best LED for your money, always look for the blue ENERGY STAR logo on the product packaging.
Ready to light up spring? From April 5 to 30, visit a participating retailer near you to get instant rebates on ENERGY STAR certified LED lighting products. Enjoy up to 40% off bulbs, $5 off integrated fixtures, and $5 off smart bulbs.
For more information about LEDs and spring rebates, visit hydro.mb.ca/savings.
— Manitoba Hydro