If you're like most homeowners, you are probably always looking for ways to save on your energy bill. One great way to do that is by upgrading to LED lighting. LEDs use far less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs and last much longer. But before you rush out and buy a bunch of LEDs, it is important to be aware of the pros and cons. Here are five major benefits of LED lighting, along with two potential drawbacks.
Advantages of LED lighting
1) LEDs are long-lasting and reliable
LEDs offer unparalleled reliability and longevity when compared to other lighting sources. Their low energy usage and incredibly long lifespan of up to 50,000 hours or more still make them relevant even in a world transitioning towards greener sources of energy. LEDs are reliable due to their simple electronic design which makes them almost immune to mechanical shock or vibrations, as well as being able to handle extreme temperatures without failure. In addition, they have no filament that can burn out – meaning they do not have time limits as tubes and most traditional bulbs do.
LEDs also consume significantly less electric power than older bulbs and other forms of lighting – leading to lower maintenance costs, and further cementing their reputation for dependability. Beyond their reliability, the versatility of LED technology opens up the potential for different colours and applications across multiple areas. Utilising LEDs leads to reduced costs of repairs necessitated by conventional lighting, giving businesses greater peace of mind when making investments in electrical fittings.
2) LEDs are energy-efficient
LEDs (Light-emitting diodes) are a great way to save energy, and they have become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to their low power consumption. LED lighting technology is 80% more efficient than traditional incandescent light bulbs, saving an average of £150 over the life of the LED. LED lights are also extremely long-lasting — up to 50,000 hours — so you do not have to worry about having to replace them for a very long time.
On top of that, LEDs generate very little heat compared to other forms of lighting, saving you money on cooling costs. With their high energy saving and ability to reduce both lighting bills and environmental impact all around, it is easy to see why LEDs have become such a popular choice for saving energy.
3) LEDs can operate in cold conditions
LEDs are becoming increasingly popular due to their energy efficiency and longer life span. One of the top benefits of LEDs is their ability to operate in cold conditions, which makes them ideal for harsh environments. Unlike traditional bulbs, they do not require a warm-up period before they work properly and can handle temperatures as low as -40°C with no significant decrease in efficiency. This makes them great choices for projects that require lighting in refrigerated or outdoor areas.
In addition, LED lamps generate much less heat than incandescent bulbs so they can be used safely in confined spaces - another plus for people planning to use them long-term in specific environments. LEDs have so many advantages for cold conditions; it is easy to understand why businesses and consumers are turning to these reliable and efficient solutions.
4) LEDs emit little heat or UV
LED lightbulbs are becoming more popular all the time, and with good reason. Not only do these bulbs give off a bright, more natural light than traditional incandescent bulbs, but they also use substantially less energy. A bonus of LEDs is that they emit very little heat or ultraviolet radiation which can be harmful to people and some materials. This means that LED bulbs never get too hot, reducing the risk of fires or burns, and eliminating the need for UV-filtered lamps in areas like art galleries or museums where sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation would be of concern. LEDs are quickly becoming one of the most popular lighting solutions out there due to their low power consumption, long lifespan, and additional health benefits brought about by the lack of heat or harmful radiation.
5) LEDs can be customised with different colours
LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, are incredibly versatile lights and are becoming increasingly popular in many homes and businesses due to their lower energy consumption. A lesser-known feature of LEDs is that they can be customised with different colours according to the desired aesthetic effect. With the range of LED colours now available, creative minds have been able to design unique spaces that would never have been possible before.
Whether it is a supermarket setting wanting to promote certain products, create a warm cosy atmosphere, or simply make a statement - LEDs now have the power to cater for every demand. It is no wonder that LEDs are becoming increasingly popular; their ability to be customised with different colour combinations makes them suitable for any environment giving more options than ever before!
Drawbacks of LED lighting
1) LEDs can cost more initially
When shopping for lighting, it may seem counterintuitive that LEDs could cost more initially than traditional incandescent lights. However, there are several other factors to consider when deciding which kind of light to buy. LED bulbs use 80% less energy for the same level of brightness, so although their purchase price may be higher upfront, over the long run they save you money in electricity costs with decreased consumption.
2) LEDs are often lower wattage
One of the drawbacks of LED lighting technology is that it often has lower wattage, which reduces its efficacy. While LEDs are more energy efficient, they do not generate as much light as higher-wattage lighting solutions and may not be ideal for certain applications. Solutions such as fixtures with multiple diodes or custom sources can improve light output, but this comes at a cost making them less ideal for cost-sensitive environments.
What to look for in LED lights
Lumens, not watts
When shopping for LED lights, the first thing you should look at is the lumens rating, not the wattage. The wattage rating tells you how much energy a light bulb uses, not how bright it is. Lumens measure brightness, so a higher lumens rating means a brighter light. For example, an LED light with a lumens rating of 800 is approximately equivalent to a 60-watt incandescent light bulb.
Colour temperature
Another important factor to consider when shopping for LED lights is colour temperature. Colour temperature is measured in Kelvin and it tells you how "warm" or "cool" a light appears. Warm light has a lower colour temperature (around 2700K) and cool light has a higher colour temperature (4000K or above)
For example, if you are looking for LED lights for your living room or bedroom, you may want to choose a warm light with a lower colour temperature so that the room feels inviting and comfortable. However, if you are looking for LED lights for your kitchen or bathroom, you may want to choose a cool light with a higher colour temperature so that the room feels bright and lively.
CRI
CRI stands for Color Rendering Index and it tells you how accurately a light bulb renders colours. A higher CRI means that colours will appear more vibrant and natural under that lightbulb. For example, an LED light with a CRI of 80 will make reds appear more vibrant and blue appears more natural than an LED light with a CRI of 70. When shopping for LED lights, look for lights with a CRI of 80 or above. These lights will make your home look its best.
Conclusion
LED lighting is one of the best things to happen to the planet and its inhabitants in a long time. The benefits are vast and varied, and we can all do our part to switch over to LED bulbs as soon as possible. Let us work together to make this change for the betterment of everyone! Have you made the switch to LED lightbulbs? If not, what is holding you back?
Falcon Electrical is one of the UK’s largest suppliers of LED lighting to businesses and private customers. Shop our full range of LED lighting today and enjoy fast delivery direct to your door.