LED Lighting

Lighting accounts for about about 10% of the average household energy budget.

Most homes can halve the amount of energy used for lighting, and minimise the cost, by using more efficient technologies.

Replacing all your household lighting with LEDs (light-emitting diodes) is a no-brainer. It improves energy efficiency, provides cost savings, and is environmentally friendly.

Energy Efficiency

One of the primary reasons for switching to LED lighting is energy efficiency. LED lighting uses far less energy than traditional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs, resulting in lower energy bills.

LED bulbs produce light through a process called electroluminescence, which produces light when an electric current is passed through a semiconductor material.

This process is much more efficient than traditional lightbulbs, which produce light by heating a filament or gas, resulting in significant energy waste.

Less than 5% of the energy an incandescent globe consumes is converted into visible light; the rest is lost as heat - the luminous efficacy of a typical incandescent bulb is 16 lumens per watt (lm/W), compared with 100 lm/W for typical white LED lamps.

Cost Savings

Switching to LED lighting not only reduces energy consumption, it also delivers cost savings in the long term.

Although LED bulbs can be more expensive upfront, they last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs, resulting in significant cost savings over time. Additionally, because LED bulbs produce less heat, they will not contribute to cooling costs during the summer months.

Depending on where you live, state or local government assistance for new LEDs may be available.

State	Program	Details
NSW	Energy Savings Scheme	The Energy efficient lighting offer makes it easier for households in New South Wales to reduce their energy use by replacing old inefficient halogen lights with energy-efficient LED (light emitting diode) lights.
SA	Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme	The Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS) supports SA households and businesses in reducing their energy costs. It will also support the state’s transition to a modern, flexible energy system. The REPS also focuses on low-income households.
VIC	Victorian Energy Upgrades	The Victorian Energy Upgrades program helps households and businesses save energy and money with a range of discounts and special offers on selected energy-saving products and services, including fridges, freezers, heaters and hot water systems.

Environmental Benefits

LED lighting is also environmentally friendly. Because LED bulbs use less energy, they produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions, which can reduce your carbon footprint.

Additionally, LED bulbs do not contain hazardous chemicals like mercury, which is found in fluorescent bulbs, making them safer to dispose of and better for the environment.

How to install?

LED bulbs are designed to work with existing fixtures and, in most cases, can be easily installed without the need for rewiring.

One potential trap to be aware of when switching to LED lighting is selecting the right bulb for your needs.

LED bulbs come in various 'colour temperatures', which can affect the ambience and functionality of your space. There is a lot of complexity in colour temperatures, but for most household applications, you only need to choose between 'cool' blue oriented light and warmer 'yellow' lighting.

Be aware that some LED bulbs are not compatible with certain dimmer switches, so check that your dimmer switch is compatible with the LED bulb you choose.

Replacing all household lighting with LED is a wise decision that can result in significant cost savings, energy efficiency, and environmental benefits. With the right research and preparation, the transition can be straightforward and hassle-free. By making the switch to LED lighting, you can save money, reduce your carbon footprint, and enjoy a well-lit and comfortable home.