Often overlooked in the conservation department, exit signs are begging to switch to a more energy efficient model. If you’re on the fence (or simply need more information) about replacing exit lights, consider these five important facts about LED emergency exit signs:
LED Emergency Lights are Energy Efficient
Unlike most lights in any building (commercial or residential), emergency signs are meant to be on 24 hours a day. This means energy is being used whether someone is in the building or not. If you are using incandescent emergency lights, the constant usage is adding more to the electricity bill than necessary.
Incandescent emergency signs use 40 watts of power, almost 20 times more energy than LED signs which use under 5 watts. On your energy bill, this will look like a drop of 78-95% in energy usage.
LEDs are Cost Effective
Those energy-hogging incandescent and fluorescent exit lights are also dipping into your finances. While the purchase cost is roughly the same as LED exit signs (around $25), the similarities end there.
Anywhere from $10-$40 a year is spent on incandescent and fluorescent exit lights. By comparison, LEDs account for under $5 a year. Over a 10-year period, LED emergency exit lights will cut over $550 from your energy bill.
LED Emergency Signs are Mercury-Free
Mercury, that toxic organic compound that can cause multiple health problems (most notably impaired neurological development in children), can be found in fluorescent exit lights. This is a big safety hazard that can easily be avoided by switching to LED emergency signs, which do not contain mercury.
LED Lights Meet Safety Regulations
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, and The National Fire Protection Association, or NFPA both set the requirements for exit areas in buildings. Along with those organizations, some local and state governments require extra regulations for exit areas and signs. LED emergency exit lights comply with all the necessary safety regulations, such as:
- Proper illumination externally and internally
- Have a backup lighting source should the building lighting be compromised
- Meet building fire codes
LED Exit Signs Have a Long Shelf Life
Honestly, you can almost forget about them once they are installed. LED exit signs have a shelf life of over 10 years. Incandescent and fluorescent lights cannot even compete, lasting on average five months or one year respectively.
Due to the easy install, low maintenance costs, and high energy efficiency, LED exit signs are a reliable investment in conservation.
I liked what you said that one should see what kind of lights the exit signs in the building have since they will add up to a high amount the more there are. My husband wants to cut down on the energy for the place he works for. I will advise him to look at what kind of lights the exit signs have and change them for exit sings with no electricity cost like photoluminescent exit signs.