Light-Emitting Diodes (LED) light is becoming a high demand and the preferred lighting of choice. It’s not hard to see why, when it’s one of the most safe and energy efficient options out there.
Longer Lifespan
It is much more long-lasting than other types of lighting! The typical lifetime of a high-power white LED can be from about 35,000 to 50,000 hours or more. Outdoor LEDs are made with longer lifetimes and can last from 100,000 to 150,000 hours. ‘Lifetime’ actually refers to when the brightness drops under around 70%, as LEDs tend to gradually decrease in brightness as opposed to incandescents that stop working when the filament breaks. Because LEDs last longer, they require little maintenance.
Energy Efficient
Most of the energy LED lighting uses is converted to light, while the rest is converted to heat. Compared to other means of lighting, such as incandescents, LEDs are around 80%-90% more energy efficient. This means an incandescent wastes more energy to heat a room than light it, while LEDs use most energy to light, which saves money on energy costs. This also means that compared to other lighting, LEDs produce less heat, which helps HVAC systems become more efficient as well. More well-desiged and energy efficient LED lights are ENERGY STAR-qualified.
- Durable
LEDs are not made of glass, and will not break like an incandescent bulb would. They are designed to handle rough conditions, and are ideal for outdoor use. They are resistant to impacts and shocks and can handle exposure to things like weather or dust from construction.
LEDs can be used in extremely hot or cold temperatures. The LED’s operation is not affected by extreme cold, unlike fluorescents that do not operate as well in cold temperatures.
- Ecologically Safe
LED energy efficiency and longer lifespan means it’s better for the environment. It also doesn’t contain any hazardous materials, such as the mercury found in fluorescent lights. Because of this, fluorescents require special disposal, while LED lights are 100% recyclable.
- Light
The light of LEDs contain almost no UV emissions and little infrared light. This means it can be used to light sensitive material or objects that cannot have UV emissions around, such as paintings in an art museum. LEDs are preferred when it comes to heat-sensitive material as well, as it produces next to no heat.
The light of LEDs do not waste energy shedding light where it does not need to go, as they are made to give off light in a specific direction. This not only adds to its efficiency, but reduces light pollution as well!
- Frequent Use
Other kinds of lighting suffer a loss of light emission or a decrease in their lifespan from frequent light switching. LEDs do not suffer any loss from being switched on and off frequently.
LED lights also immediately light up when turned on, while other types would take a couple seconds to reach full brightness. Traffic lights benefit from LEDs because they light up right away.