LED Bulb Article

A Light at the End of the Tunnel

The roof could cave in, water supply lines to the faucet could fracture beneath the foundation, a criminal could force entry into one’s most private of spaces; these are but a few of the worries a homeowner has from day to day over the course of their residence. How energy conversation can affect them on a base level is a somewhat minuscule thought at best. Options such as energy-efficient light bulbs to sun reflective-windows are just a few examples of where to start. However, with some basic modifications, such thoughts, and the savings (both environmental and monetary) will become a joyful thought to reflect on amidst the stress of home-owning.

Light-Emitting Diodes or “LED” for short, have grown from basic indicator signals into one of the most influential transitions of modern day technology. As a source of light, LEDs emit nearly zero heat, making use of a heat sink, “a passive device that absorbs the heat produced and dissipates it into the surrounding environment”(Energy Star). In doing so, they not only prevent energy loss, they extend their own lifespan. An average LED light bulb can save about 75% of the energy spent and lost through standard light bulbs; they also last about twenty-five years, a dramatic change from current standards as well (Energy Dept.). Switching an entire house over to these bulbs could save a homeowner hundreds of dollars a year. These bulbs also save on the cost of replacement by simply lasting a significantly longer time than standard bulbs.

Smart hub technology is the second major technology to improve home life and conserve energy. The Almond+ router series is leading this trend by creating an internet connection that also can connect to almost any device in one’s home. Some examples include smart LED bulbs, smart software-enabled thermostats, water heaters, even kitchen appliances. Thermostats, for example, can save hundreds of dollars a year by allowing homeowners to control their use via phone or computer devices. Being able to optimize the time a central air-conditioning system operates can not only help save money, it can cut down on energy consumption. The Nest, a smart thermostat, boasts on their website about the energy saving features the device can provide including Eco Temp and Airwave (Nest). Both of these settings provide modified air-handler controls that allow homeowners to maintain comfort while also utilizing energy saving options via their smart device.

With a variety of energy-efficient devices such as these available to consumers, the average homeowner can save. By making simple upgrades such as light bulbs to upgrading the house with smart devices, owners can track and improve the use of energy throughout their home. Not only can these options be found in most local home-improvement stores, many energy companies actually offer rebates for installing these technologies. With such a selection of methods to save energy, homeowners can go back to worrying about the regular day to day, and be glad to conserve energy all the while.

Source Materials

“Learn About LED Bulbs." Energy Star, 30th March, 2017, www.energystar.gov/products/lighting_fans/light_bulbs/learn_about_led_bulbs

“LED Lighting." United States Department of Energy, 30th March, 2017, https://energy.gov/ energysaver/led-lighting

“Explore Your Nest Thermostat.” Nest Labs, 30th March, 2017, https://nest.com/thermostat/install-and-explore/

This article was written for a freelance content firm's client in the lighting industry.