Significant energy savings and an exceptionally long life are key features of the new range of LED (light emitting diode) home light bulbs released in New Zealand this month by Philips.
The range of LED light bulbs uses up to 80% less energy and can last up to 25 times longer than an incandescent bulb. They are fully compatible with existing light fittings, making the changeover problem-free.
As well as presenting an opportunity for households to reduce energy use, the LED light bulbs provide ambience and comfort through high quality natural shades of white light.
LEDs are recognised as the future of home lighting but only recently have technological advances enabled the production of bulbs suitable for wide residential use. Philips expects at least 50% of global lighting to be LEDs by as early as 2015, and 75% by the end of this decade.
"LED light bulbs are incredibly efficient, produce an instant, warm white light and last a very long time," says David Proctor, marketing manager for Philips Lighting NZ.
"They are an excellent alternative to standard incandescent lighting, which is expensive to run and requires frequent replacement, so we're expecting a good response in the New Zealand market."
The LED home range bulbs have a life span of up to 25,000 hours (calculation based on 2.5 hours per day) compared with the 1000 hours of an incandescent light bulb. The bulbs contain no mercury or any other hazardous substances, emit no ultraviolet or infrared rays and illuminated items do not fade. The bulbs use remote phosphor technology to deliver the same instant soft white light and shape people are familiar with in an incandescent bulb.
The new range of products includes the Ambient LED Clear Sparkle, Ambient LED Focused Beam, and 5W and 7W VisionLED Globes. The new range LED light bulbs will be available in DIY stores and selected supermarkets, with prices ranging from $24.95 to $49.95.
"While the initial cost for purchasing LED light bulbs is currently more expensive than for their incandescent equivalents, choosing a cheap, inefficient light bulb may be a false economy," Mr Proctor says.
"Because an LED light bulb lasts up to 25 times as long as an incandescent bulb, and uses only one-fifth of the energy, not only do you save on replacement costs, but you also save on your power bill throughout the LED's life."
