Energy Saving with LEDs
LEDs (light emitting diodes)just may be the future of lighting. These bulbs have so many energy saving benefits that traditional lighting just can’t compete.
LED lights are much cooler than incandescent bulbs. This is because incandescent lights release 90% of their energy as heat while LEDs utilize the majority of the energy they consume to produce light - not heat. While incandescent lights are burning hot, LEDs are cool to the touch. CFLs (compact fluorescent lights) don’t stand a chance either since they release around 80% of the energy they consume as heat.
LED Light Bulb
Incandescent
Light Bulb
CFL Bulb
Because all of that energy isn’t being lost as heat, LEDs utilize way less energy than incandescent lights. LEDs use around 75% less energy than incandescent lights. Not only do they use less energy, they last longer as well. The approximate lifespan of an LED bulb, depending on the average usage, is around 25 times longer than that of an incandescent bulb and 3-5 times longer than a CFLs lifespan.
Another important benefit of these incredible lights are the safety and health benefits they have. While incandescent bulbs can get very hot they can sometimes pose a threat and become a fire safety hazard. LED lighting is a much safer option due to the reduced temperature as well as the fact that it emits almost no ultraviolet light and does not contain harmful chemicals like mercury unlike some traditional lighting.
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LED lighting has some unique properties regarding the structure and function of the bulbs as well. LEDs are small semiconductor devices that will emit light when electricity travels through it. A mixture of red, green, and blue LEDs will combine to create the white light that illuminates many commercial and residential spaces. LEDs light in a specific direction rather than outward in all directions like other traditional lighting. This is more beneficial for things like recessed lighting and can even light up a space with fewer bulbs. Due to the directional lighting, the need for reflectors and diffusers is diminished. Other light sources would need to be reflected in order to direct the light to achieve recessed lighting and a majority of the light would never leave the fixture.
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Finally, LEDs are the most cost effective option for all lighting needs. While it may appear that a typical incandescent bulb is cheaper than an LED bulb, over the span of 25 years, a commercial building owner can cut costs by more than 75% by switching to LEDs.
Summary
LED lighting is the most efficient form of lighting available. It is more cost effective in the long run as well as uses less energy than traditional lighting options. LEDs are also more advantageous for recessed lighting and can more easily light up a space using less bulbs.