LED Holiday Lights Put a Shine on Savings

 Cresco, Iowa, November 5, 2009.  Did you ever wonder what it costs to light up your home, business or facility with that colorful cascade of twinkling holiday lights?  Are you looking for ways to save money without sacrificing the spirit of the season?   One bright and easy idea is to replace traditional holiday lights with high-efficiency LED (Light Emitting Diodes) lights.

“Compared to traditional light strands, LEDs are up to 10 times more efficient, reducing energy consumption by as much as 90 percent,” according to Dan Kloberdanz, Member Service Technician of Hawkeye REC.  “As LEDs go into wider use during the holidays, they have the potential to make a significant dent in the electricity consumed for lighting, which helps ease pressure on both the pocketbook and the environment.”

Traditional screw socket bulbs use either 5 or 7 watts per bulb, such that a 25 light string consumes between 125 to 175 watts, of which less than 10 percent is used to create light.  The rest is wasted and lost as heat.  Conversely, LEDs produce very little heat which contributes to their efficiency and reduces the risk of fire, making them safer to use.

Even though LED light strands may cost a bit more, the energy savings and increased life expectancy can really payoff.  Since LEDs last about eight times longer than incandescent bulbs -- burning brightly for up to 50,000 hours -- you’ll replace your light strands less frequently.  Constructed of weatherproof materials and lacking fragile filaments, they’re impervious to moisture and not easily broken or damaged.

In addition to working to get the word out, Hawkeye REC is providing members with more than the promise of energy saving this holiday season but also a cash incentive for the purchase of LED light strands.  Why?  Because they believe that working together we really can save money, energy and the environment. To receive a $2.00 rebate per string of LED lights purchased, send your receipt to the Cooperative by November 30th and fill out the rebate form.

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