Johannesburg, 18 Apr 2013
Samsung Electronics is well known for its digital innovation and state-of-the-art LED televisions. Now, it is using this expertise to design more cost-effective and efficient lighting solutions for office environments.
Most organisations have been moving to replace their traditional incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). But, just as with any technology, CFLs have now reached their shelf-life. The new kid on the lighting block is LED, and it promises significant advantages to the commercial sector.
"These benefits are well documented. LED solutions are a key way for any business to save on electrical costs by up to 80%, without sacrificing on light output and bulb life. In fact, the Samsung LED range comes with a 50 000-hour guarantee as standard, says Michael Mckenknie, Business Leader for Digital Air Solutions at Samsung Electronics South Africa.
This sees LED light bulbs being significantly more cost-effective than traditional ones and CFLs. Using only a tenth of the energy of an incandescent bulb, an LED light bulb can last for 10 years or more.
South African companies are increasingly aware of the need to be more energy efficient. The reason for this is twofold. On the one hand, there is the need to reduce the environmental impact of business operations, while on the other, there is a significant cost saving to be had to improve the bottom line.
"Already, we are seeing LED lighting solutions in everything, from traffic and street lights to bicycle and automotive lights. LEDs are also used on planes and helicopters and in airports," continues Mckenknie.
But, it is the commercial application of LED lighting that appeals to decision-makers.
Research shows that one LED light bulb has the longevity of five CFLs or 40 incandescent bulbs. That means lower energy bills, and fewer light bulbs to buy and change. A standard 40-watt incandescent bulb has an expected lifespan of 1 000 hours, whereas an LED can continue to operate with reduced efficiency for more than 50 000 hours.
So, while some might baulk at the initial expense of doing yet another lighting conversion, as they migrate from CFLs to LEDs, the long-term cost benefits should far outweigh those concerns.
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