As you’ve most probably heard, LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs are an excellent source of lighting due to their longevity and energy-saving potential. As such, they can make for a very shrewd purchase if you haven’t already transitioned the lighting in your household, saving you valuable money throughout the year and paying for themselves in no time at all. Here is why.
LED Energy Use
When compared to incandescent and halogen bulbs, LED lights perform the same task with up to 90% less energy (depending on the bulb). This is because of their means of producing light. LED bulbs are illuminated by an ingenious movement of electrons through a LED’s semiconductor structure. By contrast, traditional incandescent bulbs emit light through the heating of a wire filament, using up far more energy. As a result, LED lights are the most energy efficient models on the market, generally lasting far longer than any alternatives – but with less natural “warmth”.
LED as an Eco Option
Because LED’s emit light with far less energy, they are a good ecological choice, particularly when brightening up dark and large spaces which require plentiful bulbs. LED lights also tend to last far longer than any alternatives, reaching life expectancies of up to 30 years depending on the type of bulb you purchase. As with any choice, you can expect greater performances the more you invest.
Saving Money With LED Lighting
Because of the longevity of an LED light and its reduced energy usage, LED lighting can save you hundreds of pounds over the course of a year. According to a study by The Telegraph, a transition to LED lighting can annually save upwards of £240 in a standard home.
Dimmable LED Lighting
Dimmable lighting tends to use less energy overall because you are able to control the level of brightness. Although there is less variation between dimmable and non-dimmable energy use in an LED bulb (than with a halogen bulb, for instance), LED’s make perfect dimmable options because of the immediacy of their light source. After all, using dimmers can help prolong a bulb’s life because the lower power supply places less stress on the bulb. However, given the low power supply required of an LED bulb, some dimmers need to be upgraded to recognise lower electrical loads. Just look for a dimmable indication from your LED bulb manufacturer.
Improving Technology
LED technology is constantly being revamped and improved. A common complaint held of LED lights in the past has been that they produce a lack of variation in terms of colour or warmth, as LED’s tend to produce sharp, cool light. All this is beginning to change. Warm, yellow lighting has now been effectively installed into LED technology, creating an aesthetic that seeks to mimic an incandescent bulb with less energy waste. We can expect great things in the future as this technology improves, particularly in the digital remote controlling of LED lighting from your smartphone.
Given the outstanding benefits of LED lighting, installing dimmable LED bulbs in your household can help you achieve a wonderful aesthetic whilst being energy efficient, cost effective and ecological sound.
