LED Task Lighting
Task Lighting: LED vs. Incandescent
Plug-in LED luminaires used to supplement ambient light at workstations
Synopsis:
Workers feel and perform better in a properly lit workplace. By raising, lowering, and tilting an adjustable-arm task light, the user can vary how much light is provided, and select the best angle to avoid direct glare and reflections (Hogrebe, 2015). A variety of LED task light products are now available that allows workers to personalize their workspace while providing uniform light distribution and elimination of dark corners. Task lights are used to place light where it is needed and reduce the use of overhead (ambient) lighting systems. The use of task lights is increasing as ambient lighting in offices is reduced (often code-mandated).
Many task lights use halogen bulbs, which are considerably less efficient than LED technology. Although fluorescent task lights have a similar efficiency as LEDs, the much smaller size of LEDs allows fixtures to be very small and sleek, saving space and providing a modern look. LED task lamps with ENERGY STAR® or LED Lighting Facts® labels usually have an input power between 3 and 14 Watts and are available in a variety of styles and color temperatures. Some LED products offer dimming capability, adjustable color temperature and integral occupancy sensors. Alternatively, LED task lamps can be plugged into an intelligent power strip that has an occupancy sensor or a programmable intelligent outlet.
Energy savings are most likely to occur when an LED task lighting system is integrated with an overhead lighting system---but these energy savings are diminishing as overhead lighting becomes more efficient and subject to occupancy sensor and daylighting controls. The first cost of LED task lamps can be higher than desk lamps using compact fluorescent or halogen technology. This may be a market barrier for commercial and home offices on a tight budget. However, the cost of LED lighting products is decreasing steadily and is expected to continue to do so.
Energy Savings: 85%
Energy Savings Rating: Limited Assessment
What's this?
| Level | Status | Description |
| 1 | Concept not validated | Claims of energy savings may not be credible due to lack of documentation or validation by unbiased experts. |
| 2 | Concept validated: | An unbiased expert has validated efficiency concepts through technical review and calculations based on engineering principles. |
| 3 | Limited assessment | An unbiased expert has measured technology characteristics and factors of energy use through one or more tests in typical applications with a clear baseline. |
| 4 | Extensive assessment | Additional testing in relevant applications and environments has increased knowledge of performance across a broad range of products, applications, and system conditions. |
| 5 | Comprehensive analysis | Results of lab and field tests have been used to develop methods for reliable prediction of performance across the range of intended applications. |
| 6 | Approved measure | Protocols for technology application are established and approved. |
Simple Payback is one tool used to estimate the cost-effectiveness of a proposed investment, such as the investment in an energy efficient technology. Simple payback indicates how many years it will take for the initial investment to "pay itself back." The basic formula for calculating a simple payback is:
Simple Payback = Incremental First Cost / Annual Savings
The Incremental Cost is determined by subtracting the Baseline First Cost from the Measure First Cost.
For New Construction, the Baseline First Cost is the cost to purchase the standard practice technology. The Measure First Cost is the cost of the alternative, more energy efficienct technology. Installation costs are not included, as it is assumed that installation costs are approximately the same for the Baseline and the Emerging Technology.
For Retrofit scenarios, the Baseline First Cost is $0, since the baseline scenario is to leave the existing equipment in place. The Emerging Technology First Cost is the Measure First Cost plus Installation Cost (the cost of the replacement technology, plus the labor cost to install it). Retrofit scenarios generally have a higher First Cost and longer Simple Paybacks than New Construction scenarios.
Simple Paybacks are called "simple" because they do not include details such as the time value of money or inflation, and often do not include operations and maintenance (O&M) costs or end-of-life disposal costs. However, they can still provide a powerful tool for a quick assessment of a proposed measure. These paybacks are rough estimates based upon best available data, and should be treated with caution. For major financial decisions, it is suggested that a full Lifecycle Cost Analysis be performed which includes the unique details of your situation.
The energy savings estimates are based upon an electric rate of $.09/kWh, and are calculated by comparing the range of estimated energy savings to the baseline energy use. For most technologies, this results in "Typical," "Fast" and "Slow" payback estimates, corresponding with the "Typical," "High" and "Low" estimates of energy savings, respectively.