Cost Comparison and Savings: Replace Fluorescent Under Cabinet Lighting With Led
Switching from fluorescent to LED under-cabinet lighting offers significant long-term cost savings, despite a potentially higher initial investment. Let’s break down the costs and savings to help you make an informed decision. Careful consideration of upfront expenses versus long-term energy efficiency will reveal the true value of this upgrade.
Upfront Cost Comparison, Replace fluorescent under cabinet lighting with led
The initial investment for LED lighting is typically higher than for fluorescent, but the difference is often less than you might think, especially considering the longevity of LEDs. The following table compares the costs, assuming a typical installation of four under-cabinet lights. Remember that prices can vary depending on the brand, features, and retailer.
| Item | Fluorescent Cost | LED Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixture cost (4 lights) | $40 | $80 | -$40 |
| Installation cost | $20 | $20 | $0 |
| Bulbs (initial purchase) | $10 | $0 (LEDs are integrated) | $10 |
| Potential Rebates | $0 | $20 (Example: Some utility companies offer rebates for energy-efficient upgrades) | -$20 |
| Total Upfront Cost | $70 | $80 | -$10 |
Long-Term Energy Savings
LEDs consume significantly less energy than fluorescent bulbs, resulting in substantial savings over their lifespan. A typical fluorescent under-cabinet light might use 15 watts, while a comparable LED uses only 5 watts. This difference compounds over time.
Replace fluorescent under cabinet lighting with led – Below is an example of annual energy cost savings over a 10-year period, assuming a 10-cent per kilowatt-hour electricity cost and four lights in operation for 3 hours per day:
- Annual Energy Consumption (Fluorescent): 4 lights * 15 watts/light * 3 hours/day * 365 days/year = 65,700 watt-hours = 65.7 kilowatt-hours
- Annual Energy Consumption (LED): 4 lights * 5 watts/light * 3 hours/day * 365 days/year = 21,900 watt-hours = 21.9 kilowatt-hours
- Annual Energy Cost Savings: (65.7 kWh – 21.9 kWh) * $0.10/kWh = $4.38
- 10-Year Energy Cost Savings: $4.38/year * 10 years = $43.80
Return on Investment (ROI)
While the upfront cost of LEDs is slightly higher, the long-term energy savings quickly offset this difference. In the example above, the 10-year energy savings ($43.80) nearly covers the $40 difference in upfront fixture cost. Considering the significantly longer lifespan of LEDs (typically 50,000 hours compared to 10,000 hours for fluorescents), the ROI is even more favorable. You avoid the repeated cost of replacing fluorescent bulbs, further enhancing the return on your investment. The additional savings from potential rebates further improve the ROI. This makes the switch to LED under-cabinet lighting a financially sound decision in the long run.
