A Brief Overview of Energy Usage for Lighting and a Comparison of Lighting Sources

The United States generates a considerable amount of electricity for lighting and other purposes. According to statistics from the Department of Energy, 22% of the electricity generated within this country is utilized to provide light for homes, commercial buildings, parking structures, roads, traffic signals, and for other private and public purposes.

A Brief Overview of Energy Usage for Lighting

Approximately 11% of residential buildings’ energy usage, for example, is for lighting. The energy usage for commercial buildings is 18%. Since parking garage lighting is often mandated in many areas for 24 hours a day, these structures also use a substantial amount of energy.

A Comparison of Lighting Sources

In terms of having a long lifespan, induction lighting systems can last up to 100,000 hours. These types of lighting units don’t burn out as quickly as other bulbs because they don’t contain electrodes or filaments. When lightbulbs contain electrodes or filaments, they usually burn out in a much shorter period of time. It’s also important to note that many induction lighting systems produce as much as 60 to 70+ lumens per watt.

Even though fluorescent lighting continues to be used in a variety of settings, LED lighting is more energy efficient. Fluorescent bulbs and ballasts possess an average life expectancy of 20,000 hours. LED tubes, however, have an average life expectancy of about 50,000 hours. This amounts to a 30,000 hour difference, which is substantial when considering the importance of energy efficiency.

When compared with standard halogen lights, LEDs are also more energy efficient. This is because these lighting sources just use 15% of the energy that standard halogen lights utilize. Furthermore, LEDs also provide a higher light output than standard halogen lights, which can amount to as much as 85%.

Learn More About Energy-Efficient Lighting

It’s important to note that the U.S. Department of Energy supports LED lighting. This is because the department believes using this form of light source can potentially reduce this country’s energy usage by almost half. Whether you own or operate a warehouse, a parking structure, or another type of commercial enterprise, there’s an excellent chance that you’re interested in reducing your energy usage and increasing your energy efficiency. The same applies if you own or operate apartment buildings, hotels, or are responsible for overseeing other types of buildings. When you consult with a lighting expert, you can learn more about the options available.