People can get a good amount of information from the Internet regarding the energy efficiency of LED lighting bulbs. Without research though, it is common knowledge that LED´s last longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs but did you know that they can last for as long as 100,000 hours? LED´s are also more robust and while they still cost more than other light bulbs, the energy savings realized over time will more than pay for the transition many times over. In addition to this, LED´s are environmentally friendly which is reason enough to start using them in this day and age.
A Quick Overview
LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology has been around for quite some time now. In fact, it has been used for more than 40 years in various applications including automotives, digital devices, and laboratory equipment. But up until recently, the use of this technology was very limited for domestic and regular uses because of the high price that came with it. However, with semiconductor materials like Gallium Nitride now becoming more affordable, LED lighting bulbs have begun to reach households and offices due to their superior lighting qualities.
The Better Green Choice: CFL or LED?
CFL´s (Compact Fluorescent Lights) and LED lights have been competing against each other for the title of the most green light. However, increased awareness regarding the positive properties of LED lights has convinced people that they are the better choice. CFL bulbs contain toxic substances such as mercury and phosphor, while the LED lighting bulbs do not. Added to this is the fact that CFL bulbs burn out, while LED´s do not since they are lit only through the movement of electrons and not by means of filaments. Moreover, CFL´s also waste a lot of heat energy, while the LED lighting bulbs hardly get hot; this results in incredible energy savings. In fact, the LED uses at least 75% less energy than regular light bulbs.
Major Establishments that Have Used LED Lighting Bulbs
Companies have switched their lighting needs to LED´s in order to save on electricity costs and at the same time, help save the environment. Among such establishments are: the LAX Gateway, the British Airways London Eye, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, and the Bostonian Shoe store chains. These companies have realized that using LED lighting bulbs not only saves them thousands of dollars a year in their electricity bills, but the lights are brighter and the maintenance costs are almost none existent.
One of the worlds best-selling LED lighting bulbs, the Pharox LED 6-watt bulb, sold more than 2 million bulbs last year. This only goes to show that more and more people are beginning to see that LED´s are the way of the future. Large lighting companies continue to develop new ways to go green using LED´s, and with many American cities now adopting eco-friendly lighting solutions, it is about time that the average consumer does the same.
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