silvergoldmagazine.ca
MONEY MATTERS
MIND YOUR BULBS
Currently the government has a long list of coupon discounts available for the purchase of LED light bulbs – but only
until December 31st. Have you taken advantage of the savings? Do you know why you should, and what the difference
in light bulbs is? Sure LED light bulbs are not cheap, but research shows that you can not only recoup your investment
in under 4 years, but that the average family can save just over $10,000 in 20 years.
Worth looking into? Let’s compare:
Key Features
Light Emitting Diodes
Incandescents
(LEDs)
Compact Fluorescent
(CFLs)
Life span
50,000 hours
1,200 hours
8,000 hours
Watts used (equivalent to 60 watt bulb)
6
60
14
Annual operating cost
$33/year
$329/year $77/year
(equivalent to 30 incandescent bulbs/yr)
Contains toxic mercury
No
No
Yes, 5mg mercury/bulb
RoHS compliant
Yes
Yes No
(Restriction of Use of Hazardous Substances)
Carbon dioxide emissions
(30 bulbs per year)
451 lb/year
4500 lb/year
1051 lb/year
Sensitivity to low/high temperatures
None
Some
Yes
Turns on instantly
Yes
Yes
No, takes time to warm up
Durability
Yes, can handle
No, breaks easily
jarring and bumping No, breaks easily
Heat emitted
3.4 btu’s/hr
85 btu’s/hr
30 btu’s/hr
Failure mode
Yes, may catch on fire,
very rare
some
smoke, omit odour
Frequent on/off cycling
no effect
some effect
shortens lifespan
Bulbs needed for 50,000 hours of use
1
42
6
Total cost for 50,000 hours of use
$85
$353 (note lifespan)
$89 (note lifespan)
For many more printable coupons: saveonenergy.ca/consumer/programs/instant-rebates/printable-coupons.aspx
C ut a n d us e!
Not everyone has
a printer! Simply cut out
this coupon and bring with
you to any store to take
advantage of the savings.
36
Like us on Facebook:
/silverandgoldmagazine