Philips Lighting announced last month that its AmbientLED 12.5-watt bulb has qualified for the governments ENERGY STAR rating, making it the first LED bulb in its category to be identified by the government as a product thats especially for saving energy.
The AmbientLED 12.5-watt bulb, sold professionally under the Philips EnduraLED brand, is the companys replacement for 60-watt incandescent bulbs. According to Philips, the bulb lasts 25 times longer and uses 80 percent less energy than the 60-watt incandescent bulb it was designed to replace.
To earn an ENERGY STAR label, 60-watt LED bulbs must meet several criteria as set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, including light output, color, temperature, color rendering index, and warranty. The AmbientLED bulb meets the criteria for light output and color, and offers a six-year warranty, double the three-year warranty required by ENERGY STAR.
Products that earn the ENERGY STAR label are often eligible for utility rebate programs offered as incentives for consumers to use energy efficient products in their homes.
According to Philips, a conventional 60-watt bulb will last about 1,000 hours, while an AmbientLED bulb will last about 25,000 hours, or roughly 15 years. Assuming an electricity rate of 12.5 cents/kWh, a conventional 60-watt bulb will cost about $180 to run for 25,000 hours, while an AmbientLED bulb will cost about $37.50.
The AmbientLED bulb retails for around $40.
Sources:
Philips LED Light Bulb is First 60-Watt Equivalent to Earn Energy Star Qualification, Philips Lighting press release, Feb. 15, 2011.
Philips Lighting website, Illuminating Information About the Philips AmbientLED.
