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Exit signs are required fixtures for all businesses in the United States.
The majority of these signs contain incandescent light bulbs that are rated at up to 40
Watts of electricity. A savings of approximately 75% of the energy costs can be saved by
installing LED fixtures. LED exit signs use light-emitting diodes that provide exit
lighting and are commonly seen in electronic devices such as clock radios. LED exit signs
use about five percent of the energy used by incandescent exit signs and 20 percent of the
energy used by compact fluorescent exit signs. LED exit signs also last 10 to 20 times
longer. |
In the example below, the Base Model uses two 20-watt incandescent lamps. The
Recommended Level sign uses two CFLs, which draw 5 watts each. The Best Available model
uses a 1-watt LED array. Annual energy use in this example is based on constant use, or
8,760 operating hours per year. The assumed electricity price is 6˘/kWh, the federal
average electricity price in the U.S. The calculations are for energy cost savings only,
and do not include lamp replacement or labor costs. Considering lamp replacement and labor
costs would significantly increase the total savings of a CFL sign relative to an
incandescent, as well as the total savings from an LED sign relative to either a CFL or
incandescent model. Over the 10-year life of an exit sign, the total number of lamps
required would be approximately 30 incandescent bulbs, 10 CFLs, or a single LED array.
| Exit Sign Cost-Effectiveness Example |
| Performance |
Base Model |
Recommended Level |
Best Available |
| Power Consumption |
40 watts |
10 watts |
1 watt |
| Annual Energy Use |
350 kWh |
88 kWh |
9 kWh |
| Annual Energy Cost |
$21 |
$5 |
$1 |
| Lifetime Energy Cost |
$160 |
$40 |
$5 |
| Lifetime Energy Cost Savings |
— |
$120 |
$155 |
The most efficient LED exit signs on the market today are part of the EPA ENERGY STAR®
LED program. ENERGY STAR® -labeled exit signs save on maintenance costs because of their
long life. An ENERGY STAR®-labeled LED exit sign can last 25 years without a lamp
replacement, compared to less than one year for an incandescent. Look for the ENERGY
STAR® label when purchasing your new exit sign. Given their installation costs, their
lower maintenance costs, and low energy costs, they generally pay for themselves in one to
three years. For more information on ENERGY STAR® manufacturers you can visit their
website online.
Sources: US DOE FEMP " How to Buy an Energy-Efficient Exit Sign"
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