Selwyn Times: January 24, 2018

10
Your guide to Show Homes & New Sections
in the Selwyn District
Almost a lighting revolution
The emergence of LED lighting might
almost be mooted a revolution in lighting
with them offering brighter, quicker, more
cost effective light.
While an initial higher outlay, long-term
power savings make LEDs more economic
with the adage ‘what you pay for is, what
you get’ meaning the higher the quality
the more benefits. LEDs usually return
their initial cost in around a year through
power savings while lasting over ten years,
especially when a quality fitting.
The overall cost of LED lighting is
lower than when first introduced to the
market. With its benefits much greater,
incandescent light bulbs, compact
fluorescent lamps and halogen lighting are
all becoming a thing of the past.
LED lighting is five to six times brighter
than its incandescent equivalent and with
a narrower beam angle the light is more
focussed.
Juice Electrical’s Greg Horton
recommends LEDs due to their efficiency.
“It’s unlikely you’ll need to change an
LED fitting for 10-20 years as they last so
much longer,” advises Greg.
While LED lighting may add $500-
$1,500 more to the cost of an average
house build, the extra cost is future
focussed as they use a tenth of the
power for lighting. LED fittings are also
becoming cheaper and there are now LED
bulbs that can be retrofitted into older
light fittings.
“The way in which an LED diode
is manufactured and the luminescent
moulded together determines its quality,”
explains Greg.
There are other benefits in choosing
better quality LEDs too. With high quality
ICF LED lights, pink batt insulation can be
closed and butted so it sits right beside and
over the top of the LED. This was not the
case with other lighting methods where
insulation had to be cut away from the
light fitting as it would heat up posing a
fire hazard.
With insulation able to cover high
quality LED lights, more heat is retained
in the home. However a word of warning,
some LEDs still require insulation to be
cut around them so it is essential you get
advice from an electrician first. This is also
something a building inspector will check
if a new home is being constructed or an
alteration requiring building consent is
undertaken.
LEDs are also ideal if changing a light
fitting is a mission, such as with high
ceilings and above stairs.
Benefits of LED lighting:
• Light output is excellent.
• LED bulbs are very efficient, using up
to 85% less electricity than incandescent
bulbs.
• LED bulbs last longer than other
lighting forms.
• Efficient use of electricity and longer
life means less impact on the environment.
• The LED’s lifespan is not affected by
frequently being turned off and on.
Negatives of LED
lighting:
• This form of
lighting is initially
more expensive.
• Many older
dimmers will not
work with LED
light bulbs making
it more feasible to
change the complete
light fitting to an
LED one, something
Greg recommends
as they have a much
longer life span.
The emergence of LED
lighting might almost be
mooted a revolution in
lighting with them offering
brighter, quicker, more
cost effective light.
LEDs are 5-6 times brighter than
incandescent equivalents.
LED is more focussed light.
LED lighting uses less electricity.
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Phone 03 374 9172 Rob 021 324 876
email rob@artisanhomes.co.nz
www.artisanhomes.co.nz