One of the newest trends in lighting are Light Emitting Diodes, or LED´s. It has been referred to as the best and most efficient light source today, but what are the real benefits of LED´s?
LED´s are Durable
LED bulbs last considerably longer than either incandescent or florescent (CFL) lights do. Incandescent bulbs contain a fragile glass filament in order to generate light that can be easily broken by shaking or dropping it. CFLs find their weakness in the ballast that sends the electrical charge into the bulb. LED lights have neither of these problems and are less likely to malfunction. They are also not made of glass like conventional lights, which makes them even more durable.
LED´s have an Increased Lifespan
On average, an incandescent light will last for 1,000 hours, a CFL for 10,000 hours, but an LED light will last for up to 100,000 hours. An LED light bulb which was left on day and night could run for up to 11 years before fading out. An incandescent light, on the other hand would have to be replaced every month and a half. You would go through many incandescent bulbs for every one LED light bulb.
LED´s are More Affordable
Although LED lighting costs more to buy initially, they will definitely save you money over their lifetime. Not only do LED bulbs need to be replaced far less often than other lighting solutions, but they also cost considerably less to operate. LED lighting uses 1/10th of the energy that incandescent bulbs use, and 1/2 of the energy used by CFLs. An average home would save hundreds of dollars a year if they replaced all of their existing lighting with LED´s.
LED´s are better for the Environment
LED lighting provides a sound environmental alternative to both incandescent and CFL light bulbs. Incandescent light bulbs use 10 times the amount of energy that LED´s do, which means that the coal and nuclear powered plants need to produce more electricity in order to light homes and workplaces. CFL lights contain mercury, which is a toxic substance and makes disposing of these bulbs difficult and expensive.
LED´s offer More Choices
Another unique feature of LED´s is their adaptability. LED lighting can be made in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. In fact, the colored LED lights provide a better quality of light than traditional filter-colored lights. LED´s offer a focused light that incandescent or florescent lights would require special reflectors or lenses to achieve.
LED´s are Tried and Tested
Most people dont know that LED´s have been in existence since the early 1960s. They were originally used as a component for electronics, but were soon adapted into many commercial uses. They have been used in traffic lights, electronic displays, and indicator lights on devices such as telephones, televisions and radios. Today, there are LED´s that are still functioning from the 70s and 80s, a testament to their lasting power.
The benefits of LED lighting are nearly endless. Perfect for various residential and commercial uses, LED´s not only save money but help the environment.
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