Thursday, July 9, 2015

7 Things We Bet You Don’t Know About LED Lighting

Most of us are already aware of the cost and energy saving capabilities of LED lighting. Average LED bulbs come with a lifespan exceeding 50,000 hours and several benefits like reduced maintenance, reduced energy costs and reduced labor. However, the benefits of LED don’t stop there. Here are 7 things you might not have known about LED lights and bulbs.


1. They switch straight on

CFLs of the yesteryears took some time to warm up and glow to the requisite power value. However, this isn’t the case with LED. There is no waiting around and you can expect a full glow the instance you put on the switch. Also, unlike the CFL, LED is highly efficient and consumes 90% less energy.

2. They allow a direct replacement

There is a rising misconception that LED lights come as retrofits and replacements require a complicated process of wiring. Many believe that LEDs cannot be replaced without an electrician and that they need GU5.3 fittings, especially for the MR16 down lights. In reality, MR16 lights use a mere 12V of power that requires a compatible driver. However, most LED fittings can be easily replaced with minimum fuss. Other bulbs like the E27 Traditional Edison LED and GU10 can be plugged straight into the socket, just like we did in earlier days.

3. It’s not about the wattage

Become LED came into the market, choosing a light bulb required choosing a power (wattage) that would be bright or dim according to the ambience of the room it is to be fitted in. LED technology on the other hand works differently. Wattage is no longer a primary determinant. Other elements that come into consideration would be the beam angle, color temperatures, etc. Further, you can even control an LED to adjust its brightness according to the requirement. These dimmable LEDs make room lighting versatile. LEDs today give the users a deep sense of control and customization.

4. Cost of ownership

Buying LED bulbs might seem more expensive than incandescent alternatives. However, in the longer run, LEDs provide to be highly cost effective. They have a longer lifetime and consume only a fraction of the energy. When buying LEDs, make sure you check the manufacturer’s warranty and reputation.

5. No more need for step ladders

Halogen lights would provide a lifetime of around 2000 hours. If used four hours a day, they would run for a year and a half. LEDs on the other hand give a whooping 15,000 hours of life. Some high end LEDs even provide 50,000 hours of lighting. If you are buying from a reputed manufacturer, you can comfortably stack your ladder away for even a decade!

6. Huge energy savings

With LED lighting, the energy savings are not just marginal but huge. Of course it will depend upon the type and length of usage. You would be saving more than 90% of electricity compared to if you would have been using incandescent bulbs or halogen. Further, you are getting better quality lighting.

7. You are saving the environment

Climate change and global warming are becoming a serious cause of concern. By using less amount of electricity, you are in fact contributing to saving the natural resources and doing your nit for the environment. Also, LED lights have less carbon emission than other alternatives.


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