Now is the perfect time to start switching over to energy efficient LED (Light Emitting Diode) light bulbs for the home and workplace. The 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) went into effect as of January 2012, which is phasing out the manufacturing of all common incandescent light bulbs by 2014 in favor of more energy efficient lighting options. Once the current supply of incandescent light bulbs runs out, consumers will need to seek out energy efficient light bulbs to replace them with. The law and which products it effects are leaving consumers in a confused state and unsure of which energy efficient light bulb options are the best for them. Batteries Plus, the nation's first, largest, and fastest-growing battery and light bulb franchise with over 500 locations in 46 states, is able to guide consumers and businesses through this confusing overhaul and recommend various replacement lighting options including LEDs, CFLs, and halogen light bulbs, all of which will save on energy consumption and utility costs over the long run.

Batteries Plus, has access to over 10,000 light bulbs and related products, for interiors and exteriors of homes and businesses, and is the main source for specialty light bulbs. More importantly, Batteries Plus is a retail and business to business supplier that can provide consumers with true lighting experts that are available for one on one discussion to help outline the features and benefits of various lighting options, and to help consumers put energy saving lighting plans in place. Batteries Plus lighting experts are required to have extensive hours of online and classroom training on new lighting technology and light bulb products. Batteries Plus also has several helpful lighting displays that can help educate consumers on all of their lighting options and the benefits of various types of light bulbs.

LEDs are considered the best energy saving lighting option on the market. While LEDs cost more money up front than other energy saving light bulbs, they have a lifespan of over 30,000 hours (23+ years)and on average will save consumers hundreds of dollars on energy costs over the life of the light bulb compared to using a standard 60 watt incandescent. This makes them 85% more energy efficient than an incandescent light bulb all while producing the same amount of brightness. Maintenance cost savings are especially being realized by businesses like large retailers, casinos, and airports who are switching all of their lighting over to LED products. LED light bulbs are ideal for hard to reach, inaccessible areas because their long lifespan eliminates the need for routine replacement. For office buildings and hotels, replacing light bulbs can add up to enormous maintenance costs, which can virtually be eliminated by using LEDs. Compared to other energy saving lighting options, LED light bulbs are less breakable, don't get as hot, and offer consumers multiple buying options. They're generally used in recessed lighting, indoor/outdoor flood lights, track lighting, table lamps, and chandeliers.

By the year 2030, the US Department of Energy estimates LED lighting could save about 190 terrawatt-hours of electricity per year, which equates to $15 billion in annual savings or the annual output of 24 large power plants (enough electricity to power 95 million homes).

As the nation's leading battery and light bulb source, here are a few buying tips that Batteries Plus offers to consumers when they are considering the various options LED light bulbs offer:

• Brightness: Lumens, not watts, are now being used to shop for light bulb brightness. A traditional 60 watt light bulb yields about 800 lumens, so if you want to maintain the same level of brightness you'd need to purchase an LED light bulb that yields 800 lumens. Read the package label (which looks like a nutrition label) carefully to choose your desired brightness level based on lumens.
• Color Temperature: Color temperature refers to a light bulb's light appearance and is measured in Kelvins (K). LED light bulbs are available in soft white (2700K), bright white (3500-4100K), and day light (5000-6500K) colors. Soft white LED light bulbs offer the color of traditional incandescent light bulbs and offer a gentle illumination ideal for lighting living rooms and bedrooms. For those wanting an LED that matches the traditional soft white appearance of an incandescent light bulb, the Satco KolourOne LED offers a best in class "binning", meaning that all light bulbs will look the same color and exactly match the incandescent soft white color (NOTE: Many other LED products on the market do not achieve this same appearance). Bright white/cool light LEDs can enhance contrast, making them ideal for task lighting in kitchens, bathrooms, offices, and outdoor use. Natural/daylight LEDs offer a cool bluish light that illuminates crisply and is great for reading areas or using for targeted accent lighting on artwork.
• Standard base or pin base LED: LEDs are available in several types of 'pin' sockets or the standard "medium screw" bases which are most often used for recessed or track lighting.
• Standard or dimmable light LED: Some LED light bulbs, such as the Satco KolourOne supplied at Batteries Plus, are available with a dimmable option. Satco KolourOne LED light bulbs offer long life, durability, and best in class dimming capabilities.
• Outdoor Use: Consumers need to make sure they only use 'wet rated' LED light bulbs for various outdoor lighting applications or their money will be wasted as the light bulbs will quickly burn out. LED light bulbs that have the IP65 wet rating on them can be used in outdoor flood lighting, motion detectors, etc. Many of the LED light bulbs sold by other retailers cannot be used in these outdoor applications.

In addition to saving money and energy, LEDs offer three major advantages over other conventional light sources: environmental - they contain no mercury; durability—they have excellent cold weather performance and are highly resistant to shock and vibration; and control—they are dimmable and have a quick turn-on time.

Consumers and businesses in can visit stores and get expert advice on energy consumption and ways to reduce it in their individual homes and offices. Whether it's replacing their current light bulbs with LEDs or other energy efficient lighting options, we'll help guide consumers and businesses through this confusing process, discuss lighting options, and help them find the light bulbs that are right for them.

Contact: Fishman Public Relations, Heather Klee, (847) 945-1300 ext. 263, hklee[at]fishmanpr.com