For several years, incandescent, halogen, and compact fluorescent (CFL) light bulbs have dominated the lighting industry. But these outdated lights are being replaced by improved LED technology that provides a range of benefits. Initially, LED lights were expensive and could barely illuminate a cupboard. But with technological advancements, the latest generation of LED bulbs has emerged as an eco-friendly option to achieve brighter lighting. LED technology has immense potential to reduce the cost of electricity and improve overall energy use. So, let’s find out what LED lights are and why you need to switch to this advanced lighting technology.
What Is LED lighting?
LED is short for Light Emitting Diode. This technology works on the electroluminescence technique that produces light when an electric current passes through a semiconductor material. LED isn’t a new technology as it is behind the creation of solid-state transistors and portable AM radios. Initially, LEDs were used by companies as indicator lights for circuit boards. During the 80s and 90s, LED lights were used as streetlights and soon replaced incandescent bulbs and fluorescent lights.
Benefits of LED Lights
From homeowners to businesses, people are switching to LED lights because it has emerged as a viable option for lighting. It is a semiconductor device that makes efficient use of electricity to generate light. Reportedly, LED lights are 80-90% more efficient than incandescent light bulbs and CFLs because they need low wattage than incandescent or CFL bulbs. Here are some more benefits of using LED lights instead of traditional options.
1. Long Lasting
When compared to the average incandescent bulb, the LED light lasts longer. Their long-life expectancy makes LED a better choice. The average incandescent bulb has a lifespan of around a thousand hours. While an average LED light has a lifespan of 50,000 hours. Its lifespan could even reach 100,000 hours depending on how you use it. As a long-lasting solution, an LED light can last anywhere between six and twelve years before needing to be replaced. That is 40 times the life of an incandescent bulb. This results in reducing replacement costs.
2. Energy Efficiency
As compared to other options, LED lights use less power. The best LED lights in the market can provide up to 90% saving compared to standard incandescent bulbs. These energy-efficient lights prevent energy wastage and reduce utility bills. LEDs can convert approximately 70% of their energy into light due to their high lumen output per watt. This makes them far more efficient than other bulbs, which waste a significant amount of energy by converting them to heat. A 6-watt LED bulb produces the same amount of light as a 40-watt incandescent bulb.
3. Eco-Friendly
Besides providing brighter light at low voltage, LED also offers environmental benefits. As more and more people are seeking environmentally friendly options, LED lighting has become a popular choice. These light bulbs operate on low voltage and reduce our carbon footprint. These are free from mercury and provide energy-saving benefits.
