Make the switch to LED bulbs

Keisha Hill, Gleaner Writer

It is no secret that Jamaicans pay far too much for electricity. In recent times, many have been fighting back by consuming less electricity at home and work, buying appliances that are energy-efficient and investing in alternatives such as solar energy panels. Energy 2014 is a new weekly feature that aims to give readers some choices in energy-saving solutions. Today's feature provides information about the range of LED bulbs available at the Fosrich Group of Companies and how much they cost.

The FosRich Group of Companies Limited comprises three principal business segments: electrical, lighting, and energy. They are importers and distributors of electrical, lighting, solar water heaters, solar photo voltaic systems, LED lighting, and induction-lighting products.

Solar Tubular Pressure Water Heater

Has a 20-25-year warranty.

Costs $98,200 and includes installation within 10 feet of the unit.

Reduces your electricity bill between $4,000 and $6,000 per month.

Solar Panels

FosRich carries two types:

polycrystalline and monocrystalline.

It has a 20-25-year warranty.

A 250-watt panel costs $30,500.

The amount of electricity used and the size of the house dictate the size of the system.

The system can pay for itself between a period of five to seven years, depending on the usage of equipment within the household.

Light-Emitting Diode LED Bulbs

LED bulbs are gaining popularity and can be used for indoor and outdoor lighting.

Categories

Mood lighting - Can be used to accentuate the bedroom, kitchen, patio, swimming pool, patio, and trees.

Regular bulbs - Wattage starts at 2.7 watts (chandelier bulb), to 18watts (indoor) screw-in bulbs.

Flood/directional lighting - (par bulbs) - light that can focus on specific areas.

Regular bulbs - FosRich stocks the Phillips brand (largest manufacturer in the world of household bulbs) These have a three-year warranty.

LED tubes - Range from two, three, four, five, six to eight feet. They can be placed in chill rooms or beverage dispensers and can accommodate temperatures from 40 to 40C.

Dusk to dawn censor-operated 20 watts up to 40 watts replace 65 watt-85 watt fluorescent bulbs.

They also stock LED disco lights.

FACT

Customers will save between $15,000 and $20,000 on their electricity bills just by changing from their present bulbs to LED bulbs.

They are cool to the touch.

They save on air conditioning costs.

LED bulbs produce very even lights and do not cast many shadows.

LED bulbs don't break or damage easily and operate on a range of voltage (85- 265 volts). They can take some level of fluctuation and can operate on dual voltage (110-220 volts).

Services offered

Light auditors to companies and organisations on how they can save on electricity.

Islandwide service.

Engineers who help to provide customised energy solutions tailored to your particular needs.

Contact

77-79 Molynes Road, Kingston 10. Tel: 937-5099.

3 Cottage Road, Montego Bay, St James. Tel: 971-9117.

18 Fairview Shopping Plaza, Bogue, St James. Tel: 684-9431.

Email: info@fosrich.com