October 23, 2007

The Ohio Governor’s Residence in Columbus, Ohio has begun converting its lighting to high-efficiency, long-life Light Emitting Diode (L.E.D.) technology to save energy and reduce replacement costs. The first lights to be converted are the recessed down-light (round can) fixtures in the kitchen and breakfast nook. This area was selected because neither incandescent nor fluorescent bulbs last very long in these fixtures due to the heat buildup inside the enclosed fixture. A very effective LED replacement for such down-light applications is now produced by Cree LED Lighting Fixtures (LLF) Inc. and was provided for this project by Watt Works Inc. of Columbus.

The kitchen in the Governor’s Residence has 21 down-light fixtures. These recessed round metal fixtures previously held 65 watt incandescent bulbs or 15 watt compact fluorescent bulbs. The new LED lights fit right in the old socket and consume only 12 watts of power, which is only 19% of the power of an incandescent bulb, and 80% of the power of a compact fluorescent bulb for the same light delivered from the fixture. The 21 fixtures in the kitchen together now only consume 252 watts, as opposed to fluorescents at 315 watts or incandescents at 1365 watts. If the lights are on 12 hours per day, 7 days a week, the new LED lights save 275 kwh and 120 pounds of CO2 per year over fluorescent bulbs, and save 4,862 kwh and 2,090 pounds of CO2 per year over incandescent bulbs.

LED lights really shine when it comes to rated life. Typical incandescent bulbs are rated for 1000 to 2500 hours, and compact fluorescents are rated 6,000 to 15,000 hours. The new Cree LLS LED lights are rated 50,000 hours which is 5.7 years if left on continuously. Since the LED lights produce so little waste heat, the temperature inside the fixture does not build up as it did with the old bulbs.

The Cree LLS down-lights deliver 650 lumens at a color temperature of 2700K (warm white), which is the same light delivered from a 65 watt incandescent bulb, and a warmer light than the typical compact fluorescent bulb. Patented technology in the Cree LLS lights monitor light output intensity and color, and regulates both parameters over the life of the bulb so that the appearance is very consistent between bulbs and over time.

The positive environmental impacts of LED lights come from the consistent, reduced power consumption, the corresponding reduction in greenhouse gases, and the reduced waste from fewer replacements. Also, unlike fluorescent bulbs, LED lights have no mercury content and at end of life are not disposed of as hazardous waste.

SUMMARY:

The new LED lights in the kitchen at the Governor’s Residence save energy, reduce greenhouse gases, reduce waste and replacement costs by lasting far longer than other lighting types, produce an attractive warm light, and easily fit in the existing fixtures.

When compared to incandescent lights, LED lights use 80% less power and last 50 times longer. When compared to fluorescent lights, LED lights use 20% less power, last 5 times longer, produce warmer light and contain no toxic mercury.

Each LED bulb saves more than $25 compared to a compact fluorescent bulb, and more than $240 compared to an incandescent bulb, over the rated life.

Project Contact: Don Hall, President
WattWorks Inc.
The Energy Savings Store