by Brianna Crandall — March 2, 2011—Philips Lighting announced that the world’s first LED replacement for a 60-watt incandescent bulb is now also the first to earn ENERGY STAR qualification. Philips announced that its AmbientLED 12.5 watt has met or exceeded the quality and energy efficiency requirements for a 60-watt LED equivalent set forth by ENERGY STAR, proving that it is a highly efficient, cost-effective lighting option for consumers.
To earn an ENERGY STAR label, a 60-watt LED equivalent must have a minimum light output of 800 lumens, a color temperature of 2700K (for soft white light), a color rendering index (CRI) of 80, and a minimum three-year warranty, among other requirements. Philips says its AmbientLED meets or exceeds these requirements with 806 lumens, 2700K, a CRI of 80, and a six-year warranty.
Also sold professionally under the Philips EnduraLED brand, the AmbientLED bulb reportedly lasts 25 times longer and uses 80 percent less energy than the 60-watt incandescent bulb it was designed to replace. Products that earn the ENERGY STAR label are often eligible for utility rebate programs that lower the cost of the product.
Part of an innovative, commercially available LED product family, the Philips AmbientLED line includes 25-, 40- and 60-watt LED A-shape equivalents that are high-efficiency, soft white light alternatives to incandescent lighting. These bulbs deliver high color consistency and have a rated average life of 17 years.
LUXEON LEDs, combined with their unique shapes and remote phosphor technology, allow the bulbs to mimic an incandescent and cast light in all directions, with the same familiar soft-white glow. Available at The Home Depot, the Philips AmbientLED line offers a broad portfolio of LED retrofits, which also includes decorative candle lights, PAR 38s, PAR 30s and MR 16s.
Philips offers a Web site to compare its AmbientLED with a standard incandescent bulb. The site also offers information on rebates.
