The Next Big Thing in Lights
New Cree LED Downlights have Incandescent and CFLs Beat, Hands Down
by Mali Dodson
Most of us are guilty of taking the light in our house for granted. But our lives would be much less convenient if we had to live them by candlelight. We just have to flip a switch and vòila there is enough light for us to read, watch television, or work after the sun goes down.
Cree LED Lighting Solutions has developed a greener way of lighting your world. The new LR6 LED light from Cree is one of the longest lasting, energy-efficient downlights being made. The LED technology offers a complete lighting system where each component is specifically engineered. Previously, lighting products in the industry fell short in color, energy-effiency, or longevity. Cree has created a lighting solution that com
bines all three of these critical elements.
As the demand for using sustainable materials continues to increase, many builders are investing in eco-friendly, energy-efficient features that will save both energy and money for years to come. The quality of the light from a LR6 has no harsh glare, just warm, beautiful light. Cree offers both a white light and a comfortable yellow light that matches the color given off by incandescent bulbs for residential installations. And, did we mention that, unlike compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), these LED lights are dimmable?
Considering that 33% of a household’s energy budget is attributed to lighting, the LED light offers impressive advantages for residential lighting. The LR6 uses 85% less energy and last up to 50 times longer than incandescent lights, and they use 50% less energy and last five times longer than CFLs. And they emit the same amount of light with a higher color–rendering. In addition, unlike LEDs, CFLs contain toxic mercury, which is harmful to the environment and needs to be disposed of with care.
The lights have a noticeable cost-savings and an indubitable convenience that anyone can see. The LR6 lasts more than 20-years (50,000 hours) under normal light use. That makes life simpler, especially in hard-to-reach installations. Imagine installing a light in a baby’s room and not having to replace it until after they go away to college.
The LR6 costs about $110 per module but the cost is off-set by the energy efficiency and low maintenance. The bulb is also virtually unbreakable, which makes installation both convenient and easy. Also, unlike incandescent fixtures, the LR6 is comfortable to the touch, and, because of the lower amount of heat produced it reduces the cost of running the air conditioner. In the end, each light more than pays for itself over its lifetime in electricity savings.
We had the opportunity to install and see for ourselves the benefits of Cree’s newest LED light. The light that the bulb provided was very clear and seemed quite a bit brighter than the 65-watt incandescent lights that we were replacing. The bulbs emanate a warm glow and a bright, clear, light that enhanced everything else in the room. The lights were incredibly simple to install and the ease of our twelve-light retrofit had us as
tounded. It easily fits in most standard six-inch recessed IC or non-IC housings. The LR6 generates light from new LED technology in a new way and combines light output, high-efficiency, inviting color, and affordability. They are a worthwhile addition to any living space.
Visit the Cree website at : www.cree.com
