Switching to Sylvania LED T8 and T12 tubes is a smart move for energy savings and improved lighting. But what exactly will it cost you annually? The answer isn't a single number, as several factors influence the yearly cost. This comprehensive guide breaks down the key elements, helping you calculate your potential savings and understand the total cost of ownership.
What Factors Influence the Yearly Cost of Sylvania LED T8/T12 Tubes?
Before diving into specifics, let's clarify that the "yearly cost" encompasses more than just electricity consumption. Several variables interact to determine your overall expenditure:
- Initial Purchase Price: The upfront cost of the LED tubes themselves varies based on wattage, length, lumen output, and features like dimming capabilities. Higher-lumen, longer-lasting tubes often have a higher initial investment.
- Electricity Consumption: This is arguably the most significant factor. LEDs consume significantly less energy than traditional fluorescent T8 and T12 tubes, leading to lower electricity bills. The exact savings depend on the wattage of your chosen LED tubes and the number of hours they operate daily.
- Lifespan and Replacement Costs: Sylvania LED tubes boast a considerably longer lifespan than their fluorescent counterparts. This translates to fewer replacements over time, reducing long-term costs. However, eventual replacement is inevitable, and the cost of these replacements needs to be factored in.
- Installation Costs: While some individuals can install LED tubes themselves, professional installation might be necessary depending on your setup. These costs should be factored into the overall picture.
How Much Energy Do Sylvania LED T8 and T12 Tubes Consume?
Sylvania LED T8 and T12 tubes are available in various wattages. A typical T8 fluorescent tube might consume 18-32 watts, while a T12 might use 28-40 watts. In contrast, Sylvania LED replacements often consume significantly less—anywhere from 10 to 22 watts for equivalent brightness. This reduction in wattage directly translates to lower electricity bills.
Calculating Your Yearly Energy Savings
To estimate your annual savings, you'll need the following information:
- Number of Tubes: How many T8 and T12 tubes need replacing?
- Wattage of Old Tubes: Determine the wattage of your existing fluorescent tubes.
- Wattage of New LED Tubes: Note the wattage of the Sylvania LED replacements you're considering.
- Hours of Daily Use: How many hours per day are the tubes in operation?
- Electricity Cost per kWh: Check your electricity bill to find the cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
Using this information, you can calculate the energy savings per tube, then multiply by the number of tubes and the number of days in a year (365). Many online energy savings calculators can assist in this process.
Example Calculation:
Let's say you replace 10 x 32-watt fluorescent tubes with 10 x 18-watt Sylvania LED tubes, using them for 8 hours daily, and paying $0.15 per kWh. The annual savings per tube would be approximately:
(32W - 18W) * 8 hours/day * 365 days/year * $0.15/kWh / 1000 W/kW ≈ $6.57 per tube. For 10 tubes, the annual saving is approximately $65.70.
How Long Do Sylvania LED T8 and T12 Tubes Last?
Sylvania LED T8 and T12 tubes generally have a much longer lifespan than traditional fluorescent tubes. You can expect a lifespan of 50,000 hours or more, significantly reducing the frequency of replacements compared to fluorescent tubes (which typically last 10,000-20,000 hours). This extended lifespan contributes significantly to long-term cost savings.
What is the Total Cost of Ownership?
The total cost of ownership considers the initial purchase price, energy costs over the lifespan of the tubes, and the eventual replacement cost. While the initial investment in Sylvania LED tubes might be higher, the significantly lower energy consumption and extended lifespan usually result in substantial long-term cost savings.
Are there any rebates or incentives for switching to LED lighting?
Several local, state, and federal programs offer rebates or incentives for businesses and homeowners who switch to energy-efficient lighting, including LEDs. Check with your utility company or local government to see if such programs are available in your area. These rebates can further reduce the overall yearly cost.
This information provides a solid foundation for understanding the yearly cost of using Sylvania LED T8 and T12 tubes. Remember that precise cost estimations require considering your specific situation and performing personalized calculations. By carefully considering the factors outlined above, you can make an informed decision about switching to energy-efficient LED lighting and reaping the long-term benefits.
