This is part 1 of a 3-part blog series on the different energy rating and compliance certifications to help you better understand what they are, what they mean and how they could impact your business.
Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting products are fast becoming the lighting solution of choice in both residential and commercial applications. With a quick turn-around on investment, reduction in energy consumption, lower utility bills, and reduced maintenance requirements, it’s no wonder LED related lighting products have been flooding the market in recent years. But, not all LEDs are created equal.
To ensure your product selection is the highest quality and most eco-friendly, look for LED light bulbs that have received the Energy Star stamp of approval. Energy Star has become a household name and is something easily recognizable in both residential and commercial spaces, but does it really matter? If products have received the Energy Star label, what does that mean?
Energy Star’s History
Energy Star is the government backed symbol for energy efficiency and awards lighting products with their rating based on specification standards in color quality, lighting output, and quality assurance. This makes it easier for consumers to find and purchase products that help them reduce their energy bills without sacrificing performance and comfort.
The Energy Star program was established in 1992 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a voluntary program aimed at identifying and promoting energy-efficient products. In 1996, the EPA partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy and the Energy Star program grew to help encourage Americans to invest in energy efficient products that save money while protecting the environment. Appliance, computer, television, electronic, and lighting manufacturers strive to receive the Energy Star rating as it represents high quality and performance to consumers nationwide.
The Energy Star LED Standard
Fixtures seeking to receive the Energy Star stamp of approval must undergo testing to ensuring they meet strict efficiency, quality, and lifetime criteria including:
Energy
– Meet strict lumens per watt requirements of 65 lpw to 80 lpw depending on the lamp type and color characteristic. This can provide as much as 80% savings over incandescent light bulbs.
Life Rating
– General purpose and decorative light bulbs are required to provide a minimum of 15,000 hours of service and directional floodlights and PAR lamps 25,000 hours. In addition there are requirements for lumen maintenance. Compare this with 750 to 1500 hour rated life incandescent for up to 20 times the rated life.
Cool Operating
– Produces significantly less heat than their counterparts.
Guaranteed
– comes with a minimum 3- year warranty and requires a life-span of 15,000 for omnidirectional and decorative LEDs and 25,000 for directional LED bulbs. Many manufacturers have extended limited lifetime guarantees that may extend 5 to 10 years.
Dimming
– Requires that LED lamps dim to 20% and illuminate instantly when turned on.
Light Output
– LED light bulbs must hold a high percentage of its initial light level over time, only decreasing towards the end of the rated lifetime.
Color Temperature and Rendering
– allows for 6 color temperatures from warm to cool colors and requires a minimum of 80 CRI and a R9 greater than 0.
EarthTronics is an Energy Star Partner and has agreed to:
- Measure, track, and benchmark energy performance
- Develop and implement a plan to improve energy performance
- Educate staff and the public about our partnership and achievements with Energy Star
Our line of CEC EarthBulbs provide over 85% in energy savings, maintain a 3000k color of light, and CRI of 90+. They are Energy Star certified, showing customers that we strive to go the extra mile to not only meet, but exceed, consumer expectations.
Learn more about EarthTronics EarthBulbs today and find the perfect lighting solution for your next new construction or retrofit project.