At Constellation Lighting US, we are proud to be one of the best longstanding commercial LED lighting manufacture, design, and supply companies in the United States, and understand more than most the impact inefficient lighting solutions can have on a business. Knowing the differences between luminous efficacy and luminous efficiency of varying lighting solutions can help your organization make considerable savings on energy, running costs, and maintenance, and can help you make an informed decision for the benefit of your business.
Efficacy is a critical factor when considering energy efficiency in lighting systems. By choosing light sources with high efficacy, we can achieve the same or higher levels of brightness while consuming less power. This is especially important as we strive to reduce energy consumption, lower electricity bills, and minimize our environmental impact.
What is The Difference Between Luminous Efficacy and Luminous Efficiency?
Luminous efficacy and luminous efficiency are related but distinct concepts in the field of lighting. While they both measure the efficiency of a light source, they focus on different aspects.
Luminous Efficacy:
Luminous efficacy measures how efficiently a light source converts electrical power into visible light, and quantifies the amount of light output per unit of power consumed and is typically expressed in lumens per watt (lm/W). In simple terms, it indicates how effectively a light source produces light for a given amount of energy input. A higher efficacy value signifies greater energy efficiency and more light output for the power consumed.
Luminous Efficiency:
Luminous efficiency, on the other hand, measures how efficiently a light source converts electrical power into visible light within a specific range of wavelengths and also takes into account the spectral sensitivity of the human eye to different colors of light. Lighting efficiency is expressed as a percentage and represents the ratio of visible light output to the total power input, including the energy emitted as non-visible radiation.
The difference between efficacy and efficiency lies in the scope of their measurements. Efficacy focuses solely on the conversion of electrical power into visible light, while efficiency accounts for all the energy emitted by the light source, including both visible and non-visible radiation.
To summarize:
- Luminous efficacy measures the conversion efficiency of electrical power into visible light (lm/W).
- Luminous efficiency measures the overall efficiency of converting electrical power into both visible and non-visible radiation (expressed as a percentage).
Both efficacy and efficiency provide valuable information when evaluating the performance and energy efficiency of lighting systems, but they assess different aspects of light source efficiency.
Comparing Luminous Efficacy:
Different types of light sources have varying luminous efficacy values. Here are a few examples for comparison:
Incandescent bulbs:
These traditional bulbs have low efficacy, typically ranging from 10-20 lm/W. Most of the energy they consume is converted into heat rather than visible light, making them highly inefficient.
Fluorescent lamps:
Fluorescent bulbs offer improved efficacy, typically ranging from 50-100 lm/W. They use less energy compared to incandescent bulbs and have a longer lifespan.
LED lights:
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are renowned for their exceptional levels of efficacy. LEDs can achieve efficacy values of 100 lm/W or higher, making them significantly more energy-efficient than other lighting options. With advancements in technology, LEDs continue to improve in terms of both efficacy and affordability.
Making Informed Lighting Choices:
Understanding luminous efficacy and lumens empowers us to make informed decisions when selecting lighting solutions. By considering the following factors, we can choose lighting options that meet our needs effectively:
Lumen output:
Determine the desired brightness level for the intended space. Consider factors such as room size, function, and personal preference.
Energy efficiency:
Look for light sources with high luminous efficacy. LEDs are often the most efficient option, providing long-lasting illumination while minimizing energy consumption.
Color temperature:
Consider the desired ambiance and mood. Different color temperatures, measured in Kelvin (K), can create warm or cool lighting environments.
Lifespan and maintenance:
Evaluate the lifespan of the light source. LEDs have longer lifespans compared to incandescent bulbs and fluorescent lamps, reducing the frequency of replacements and maintenance.
Why Choose Constellation Lighting US For LED Lights?
LED lights have gained immense popularity due to their exceptional luminous efficacy. Compared to traditional incandescent bulbs and even fluorescent lamps, they exhibit significantly higher efficacy values. On average, LEDs can produce 100 lumens per watt (lm/W) or higher, making them highly energy-efficient. This means that LEDs can produce a substantial amount of visible light while consuming minimal electrical power.
Here at Constellation Lighting US, our continuous advancements in LED technology mean that you can expect even higher luminous efficacy values, leading to lower energy costs, reduced environmental impact, and longer-lasting illumination. Offering cross-industry lighting solutions across the US, we are able to offer:
- Up to 65% energy savings
- A 100,000-hour expected lifespan
- Power generation of up to 5,500 Kelvin
- Up to 10 years warranty
For unrivalled LED lighting and improved efficacy and efficiency, contact our team of ardent professionals at Constellation Lighting US today for a free lighting audit.
