When it comes to saving energy, LED bulbs are the go-to for lighting, no matter where you use them. LED bulbs use less power than traditional incandescent bulbs to produce the same strength of lighting (expressed in lumens). As a result, installations of commercial LED solutions are beneficial for the lower power requirements and for the long lifespan of the LED bulbs.
LED bulbs can have a lifespan of 25,000 to 50,000 hours of use, and long-lasting commercial LED bulbs have a lifespan of 100,000 hours. These are best case estimates, and you may find your actual results are less. Here’s how to choose the right bulb for your commercial setup and how to save money and energy while doing so.
Differences Between LED and Incandescent Bulbs
LED bulbs do not suddenly go out like incandescent bulbs do. Instead, LED bulbs begin to dim as they get “older,” or the longer you use them. LED solutions will have a “L70” rating on the packages of the LED bulbs. According to Worldmetrics, the L70 rating is the time it takes, on average, for an LED bulb to decrease its light output to 70% of its original brightness.
The L70 rating is typically the amount of time the LED lights can be used before the manufacturers recommend replacement for most installations. While they are great for longevity, LEDs have many different colors that can affect any location, whether at home, at work, at an office, and more. So what kinds of LEDs work best for your commercial setup?
Choose Light Color and Lumens to Meet Lighting Requirements
LED solutions include a range of color choices. For example, LED daylight color is extremely bright. Many find the brightness helpful, such as needing high intensity lighting for security reasons. However, there are others who may prefer a softer white or yellowish color that is less bright. For reference, LED color measurement is by light temperature in a measurement unit called Kelvin (K).
Tip: Lower color temperatures may last a bit longer than higher ones because they generate less heat.
Example of LED Color Choices:
1700K: the glow of a match flame
2700K: yellow light with a touch of orange
3000K: yellow
3600K: very light yellow
4300K: yellow white
5500K: daylight during a bright sunny day
For traditional incandescent bulbs, they are rated in watts. LEDs are rated in watts to create the same lumens, but LED bulbs need much less energy than incandescent bulbs to produce the same light.
Here is a comparison table for LED bulbs that emit equivalent light of incandescent bulbs:
Light - Lumens | LEDs - Watts | Incandescent - Watts |
|---|---|---|
450 | 4 to 5 | 40 |
750 to 900 | 6 to 8 | 60 |
1,100 to 1,300 | 9 to 13 | 75 to 100 |
1,600 to 1,800 | 16 to 20 | 100 |
2,600 to 2,800 | 25 to 28 | 150 |
Reduced power consumption is an advantage of using LED bulbs along with their extended lifespan.
How to Calculate the Lifespan for LED Bulbs
Lightadviser provides a formula to figure out how long an LED bulb can last. The longevity of your bulb’s life can be calculated by using its expected operating time and your usage pattern.
First, you’ll want to calculate your lighting’s weekly usage in hours and multiply by 52. Then, divide the rated lifespan of the LED (L70 rating) by your annual lighting usage in hours.
For example, suppose you operate your LEDs for 10 hours a day, seven days a week. This is 70 hours per week.
70 hours x 52 weeks = 3,640 hours per year.
LED Lifespan Comparison (L70 ratings & 3,640 hours/year usage):
L70 rating of 25,000 hours: LED useful lifespan is nearly 7 years.
L70 rating of 50,000 hours: LED useful lifespan is nearly 14 years.
L70 rating of 100,000 hours: LED useful lifespan is nearly 28 years.
If your numbers are different, you may find it helpful to use the LED lifespan calculator.
Extending the Useful Life of LED Bulbs
While the lifespan rating is an estimate of how long you can expect an LED bulb to last if operated continuously, there are many ways to extend its use. One such way to extend the life of an LED bulb is to turn them off when not needed. It sounds obvious, but consider the ways in which you can implement it.
This may be achieved many ways such as using motion sensors, occupancy sensors (monitoring infrared signatures), using timed light switches, automatic turn on and shut off based on a pre-determined schedule, sunlight sensors for outdoor lighting, and manually.
However, you’ll want to note that lifespan degradation may happen if the LED systems are turned on and off too frequently.
Using a dimming system, with dimmable LED bulbs, may help extend the useful life when the LEDs are operated at less than full brightness.
Other Tips to Make LED Bulbs Last Longer for LED Solutions
Avoid cheap, low-quality bulbs - Other components of the lightbulb may fail before the LEDs.
Wattage and voltage – Use the correct LED bulb wattage and voltage for the fixture.
Don’t use regular LEDs in enclosed or recessed fixtures - Excessive heat may build up.
Use correct dimming – Dimmers not designed for LEDs may cause bulb failure.
Operating temperature – LEDs perform better when protected from extreme temperatures.
Moisture and Humidity – Bulbs need protection from wet or damp conditions.
Maintenance – Regular cleaning of fixtures and bulbs helps extend their useful life.
Protection from rainy and stormy weather is vital for exterior LED lighting in Oregon and LED lighting in Washington. For LED lighting in Alaska, one of the main considerations is the effect of sub-zero temperatures and the use of insulated exterior fixtures is recommended.
NetZero Energy Experts are Ready to Help
If you are in need of a variety of LED bulbs for a commercial lighting system and want to maximize their use, reach out to us at NetZero Energy. Our experts at NetZero Energy can help you develop and install the right LED solution for your commercial needs.
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