Undoubtedly, under cabinet lighting is an important feature in kitchens because it provides adequate lighting for carrying out various kitchen tasks in addition to enhancing the general lighting of the kitchen. There are several available options when considering under cabinet lighting and the three most popular ones are Xenon, Fluorescent and LED under cabinet lighting. When it comes to making the best choice however, the LED option comes first due to a number of factors discussed below.
Highest Energy Efficiency
In this department, LED lighting is the best option since it is extremely energy efficient and lasts for a long time. The energy efficiency can be interpreted as the amount of power consumed in relation to the output and life span. Of the three options mentioned above (Xenon, Fluorescent and LED), the least efficient in terms of energy usage is the Xenon incandescent lighting due to the large amount of power it consumes. The high energy efficiency of LED under cabinet lighting also means that it is the best option in terms of the overall cost.
Lowest Heat Emission
This is also an important aspect of under cabinet lighting due to the fact that the amount of heat generated by the light source has an effect on the cabinet to which it is attached. Xenon incandescent lights and halogens are specifically not encouraged for under cabinet lighting due to the amount of heat they generate. Once again, LED under cabinet lighting is the first choice due to the fact that there is little heat generation with LED. Fluorescent under cabinet lighting is also better than Xenon or halogen but LED still comes ahead.
Better Brightness and Aesthetics
LED under cabinet lighting produces a unique lighting effect that will transform any kitchen in which it is used. A point that is commonly raised is the option of dimming the under cabinet light. Fluorescent light cannot be dimmed while Xenon light is dimmable. Although LED lighting is also not dimmable, it however comes in fixtures that allow two levels of brightness. This makes them the best option for under cabinet lighting with the added advantage of being useful as night lights in the kitchen.
Ecological Impact
With the current emphasis on the impact of human activities on the environment in virtually all American states, LED under cabinet lighting is the perfect choice. The major problem with the other under cabinet light sources apart from their lower efficiency is the risk of environmental pollution with mercury being the most popular culprit. Mercury can contaminate buildings, water bodies, landfills, animals, humans and crops if it is improperly disposed of. In the U.S., the EPA makes it mandatory for waste handlers to treat used fluorescent bulbs as hazardous material.
In conclusion, based on the points discussed above, energy efficiency, heat emission, performance and the risk of environmental pollution, it is clear that when it comes to kitchen under cabinet lighting that LED is the way to go.
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