When it comes to energy savings, LED lights have certainly come a long way. LED lights are applauded not only for their energy efficiency compared to traditional incandescent lights, but they are also highly recommended in terms of safety and longer life, making them the preferred lighting option for residential and commercial establishments.
Understanding LEDs
LEDs or Light Emitting Diodes are made up of conductors that light up when a series of voltages or electric current passes through them. LEDs fall into three main categories: miniature, high power, and custom. Miniatures are single-die LEDs that are subdivided into low current, standard, and ultra-high output and are commonly used as indicators. Midrange LEDs are commonly found in automotive taillights, panel lights, and for small emergency devices. High power LEDs, on the other hand, are often used in lamps and semiconductors that use hundreds or thousands of lumens.
Differences of LEDs with other Lighting
One of the main differences between LEDs and incandescent or fluorescent lamps is the estimated lifespan of the bulbs. Incandescent bulbs can last up to 1,000 hours of continuous use; Halogen lamps, on the other hand, have an estimated lifespan of 1,000 to 5,000 hours. Compact fluorescent lamps are best, ranging from 8,000 to 15,000 hours. However, LEDs can last up to 20 to 40,000 hours of life. The reason behind this is that LEDs are made up of multiple diodes that slowly dim one at a time, unlike incandescent bulbs that need to be completely replaced once the filament runs out. Another big difference between these bulbs is the light and energy they emit. LED emits light in a specific direction, making it more energy efficient, unlike incandescent bulbs that emit light in all directions. The LEDs also radiate little amount of heat thanks to a heat sink that absorbs the emitted heat.
Advantages of using Energy STAR LED bulbs
One of the best advantages one would have when installing LED bulbs is that the light output is set in a certain direction, thus allowing for maximum light output unlike other types of bulbs. LEDs are also eco-friendly and cost-effective, as they last longer than normal lighting and, unlike traditional light bulbs, they emit little heat, preventing damage to sensitive objects or materials.
Although LEDs tend to be more expensive than regular bulbs, the cost is balanced by the longer lifespan, as well as the quality and efficiency of the light source.