The ‘Lighting That Pays For Itself’ program aims to help people upgrade from expensive halogen or traditional globes to affordable, energy-efficient LED lighting in their homes.

With support from Sustainable Melbourne Fund, the initiative will allow 400 homes to ‘go LED’ for a 36-month repayment plan. According to cherryLED general manager Ben Wright, “In an average Australian home the energy cost savings will exceed the cost of the lighting – and people will start saving immediately”.

It’s an offer Sustainable Melbourne Fund hopes will be enough to nudge time-poor families from complacency when it comes to helping the environment.

“This type of product is exactly what we look for when financing energy efficiency ideas. Now more Melbourne residents can look forward to better quality lighting, at a low upfront cost, while reducing energy costs and the city’s carbon emissions”, said the Fund’s chief executive Scott Bocskay.

By signing up to the ‘Lighting That Pays For Itself’ program people can save up to 89% on their lighting electricity bill. Correctly installed LED lights last 25,000 plus hours, so anyone who switches over will also spend less time changing light globes.

“That’s a plus for people with limited mobility or anyone who doesn’t like working at heights”, Ben adds.

“LED lighting is suitable for every room in the home – kitchens, bedrooms, dining rooms, living and study areas can all be enhanced, thanks to the range of LED products now available. Today’s LED lights come in ‘cool’ output for replicating daylight, or ‘warm’ for a softer, more relaxing mood to every lifestyle. They can also be dimmed”, he says.

A low (approximate 55 degrees Celsius) operating temperature is among the lesser known benefits of LED technology. Compared with halogen down lights, which radiate heat in the vicinity of 200 degrees Celsius, LED lighting can help keep the home significantly cooler while reducing the load on air conditioning systems. Its low operating temperature can also reduce the risk of ceiling fires.

All cherryLED products are designed, engineered and tested in Australia to ensure optimal performance under harsh local conditions. All works are done using certified cherryLED installers and the range has even been safety tested by the Melbourne Metropolitan Fire Brigade.

With the heat of summer almost here, there’s just enough time for people to schedule their lighting upgrade and be among the 400 residents to take advantage of the program.