LEDs (Light Emitting Diode) are semi-conductor devices that convert electrical energy directly into light. They are far more efficient than conventional light and though three times more expensive than their un-dignified counterparts, LEDs are bound to lose their expensive price tag with the onset of new technologies. Incandescent or fluorescent lamps can be bought at a bargain but is expensive at the operational level. On the other hand, LEDs are four times more efficient than fluorescent lighting and lasts ten times longer as well.
LED light bulbs were originally used as a replacement for incandescent indicators and displays in laboratory equipment and eventually in TV's, watches, radios and calculators. LED prices have only recently dropped enough to make them viable for residential and commercial markets. LED home lighting can include anything from outdoor to Christmas lights. LED Lights convert 70% - 90% of the electricity used into Light unlike incandescent which produces more heat than light. LED's also last for more than 50,000 hours, substantially longer than both incandescent and CFL. With the LED light bulb there is no replacement cost to speak of as they can last 100,000 hours! To put this into perspective, that’s as much as 100 times longer than any incandescent that usually doesn’t see 1000 hours of operation.
Why should you be using LED lighting?
• LEDs use less energy that is a proven fact. The first and primary reason for using LEDs is that they can consume up to 85% less energy than traditional lighting .That means that your electricity bills will be cut extremely. This also means that the light will only be using 25%. Less energy consumed is worthy for the environment but it is also good for business too. Less power usage equals more money saved.
• LEDs last longer. The average age for a LED light is 10 years. Even then they will only need replacing as their light fades. Over a long period of time their light output gradually dims. They can last longer too; it depends upon the application. This is by far better than ordinary lights which last for far less. This will mean you will be rarely replacing them.
• LEDs are much safer - LEDs use low voltage (12-24) volts and are less of a fire risk than light bulbs and in particular neon lighting. LEDs emit no UV and very little heat so they can be used in areas where too much heat is dangerous. Therefor huge industries can use them safely.
• LEDs are easier to maintain. LEDs can be left alone and a quick wipe over once in a while is all they need. Normal light bulbs also require the same.
• LEDs are solid state. There is no filament or glass to break and they are robust even in wet conditions. They can even be used underwater in some circumstances. They are however not dangerous to human if the bust when compared to normal bulbs which can cut you.
• LEDs are easier to dispose of. Although there is no real way to recycle them at the moment they are tiny and therefore easier and less damaging to the environment than disposing glass bulbs and gas-filled tubing.
• LEDs are much, much smaller. They can therefore be used in much more creative ways than traditional lighting. For example light boxes can be slimmer; LEDs can even be embedded into acrylic panels for certain applications. The traditional bulbs are larger making it difficult to place in different positions.
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