LED lightning
Lighting represents, on average, about 14% of the global energy consumption in a home [1]. It is a considerable value, so it is essential to be aware of which selection criteria to consider when purchasing equipment or replacing existing lighting.
In the last decade, there has been an advance in technological lighting solutions, which together with other solutions can present significant reductions in energy consumption. This technological “revolution” happened mainly with the development of LED technology (Light Emitting Diode), which came to benefit both indoor and outdoor spaces, including public lighting.
Aspects to take into account when purchasing a lighting system:
- Color temperature (in Kelvin, K) – value that determines whether the sources / lamps produce warm light or cold light.
Not all spaces require the same level and type of light, so it is important to bear in mind that, in more relaxed and convivial environments, such as in the living room or bedroom, the light should be of a lower color (warm light with temperatures between 2,700K and 4,000K). In environments where more light is needed, such as in the kitchen or bathroom, a higher color light is needed (cold light with a temperature between 4,000K and 5,000K). - Color Rendering Index (IRC) – way objects appear under white light. The scale of this parameter ranges from 0 to 100. The higher the IRC, the less the color distortion of an object – a light source with IRC greater than 80 is excellent for the color reproduction of the object.
- Equipment power (in Watt, W) – in the case of incandescent lamps, the power can vary between 40 W and 60 W, and in the case of LEDs, to obtain the same amount of light, a power between 4 W and 6 W.
- Luminous flux (in lumen, lm) – it allows identifying the amount of radiation emitted by a light source, so in general the higher this value, the greater the power may be. However, this is not always true, as energy can be dissipated in the form of heat.
- Yield(lm/W) – determines the amount of lumen that a given technology emits per watt consumed (lm / w). The higher the performance, the higher the value that results from this lm / W ratio – more light with less energy consumption!
- Energy label – equipment with a better energy class is more efficient equipment and, therefore, should be privileged – scale varies between A ++ and E;
- Other parameters present in a lamp package:
Lifetime, energy efficiency class, luminous flux, lamp type, lamp dimensions, energy label and electrical characteristics.
Typical LED Packaging
Typical packaging of a LED lamp, with the main parameters that allow you to make an informed choice:
- Power and Watt equivalent power [W]
- Kelvin color temperature [ºK]
- Lifetime [h]
- Energy efficiency class
- Technology Type
- Luminous flux in lumen [lm]
- Socket Type
- Lamp dimensions [mm]
- Energy label (A ++ to E)
- Electrical characteristics: voltage [V] and frequency [Hz]
- Time to achieve full lamp illumination
- Number of starts
- Conditions of Use
- Possibility to use with flow regulator
How much can we save by replacing incandescent bulbs?
Considering, for example, a lamp with 8 incandescent lamps of 40W each, with use of 2 hours a day, its average annual consumption corresponds to 39 €.
- The replacement with halogen technology lamps allows to reduce energy consumption by 30%, representing a saving of around 12 € / year.
- The replacement with compact fluorescent lamps reduces energy consumption by 80%, representing a saving of around € 31 / year.
- The replacement with LED lamps allows to reduce energy consumption by 90%, representing a saving of around 34 € / year.
Other measures to be implemented
Favor natural lighting over artificial lighting.
Whenever possible, open the blinds and remove obstacles that interfere with the entry of light.
Amplify the light inside.
Whenever possible, use light colors (preferably white) on the ceilings and walls as these are the colors that best reflect the light.
Use only the necessary and essential lighting levels.
Turn off the lighting in spaces that are not occupied, and when you have more than one switch to turn on the light, turn on only those that are strictly necessary.
Choose lighting solutions suitable for the spaces to be lit.
Take into account the place where the lighting will be installed: leisure space, work / study, corridor, and depending on the needs, assess whether the combination of the light point (lamp) and the luminaire (structure where the light point is incorporated) meets visual comfort and does not cause glare.
Favor lighting equipment with better energy class.
For a more efficient purchase, you must observe the energy label and choose lighting equipment that has a better energy class.
Adjust the light to the necessary levels.
There are lighting systems that allow the regulation of the luminous flux of the luminaire – LED technology is an example. This technology makes it possible to adjust the light to desired lighting levels, thus reducing energy consumption.
[1] Survey on Energy Consumers in the Domestic Sector, from Instituto Nacional de Estatística (INE)
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