Why should you choose LED lighting?
Light-emitting diode (LED) light bulbs are taking over the lighting technology market by storm, and for good reasons. They are more energy-efficient, environmentally friendly and are a great cost-saving alternative to conventional bulbs. These are also the main reasons why many residential and commercial lighting technology systems have made the switch to LED illumination.
But are you aware of just how much of a difference LED bulbs can make in terms of energy savings, sustainability and financial spending?
Energy efficiency & electricity bill savings
Energy efficiency is the number one reason for choosing LED bulbs over conventional incandescent and compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs. LED lighting has an energy efficiency of 80-90% – which means almost all of the electrical energy used is being converted into light, with only 10-20% being lost to other forms of energy. Conventional light bulbs work in the opposite way, with only 20% of energy being converted to light, and 80% being lost as heat.
In a home or residential setting, this energy efficiency, as well as longer lifespan (read below) of LED lighting can significantly reduce your electricity bill. One positive case study – Los Angeles has retrofitted 141,089 street lights with LED bulbs via the support of the Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI) and the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40). This largest LED street light replacement program in the world has reduced LA’s energy use by 63.1 percent and reduce carbon emissions by 47,583 metric tons a year. The program has also saved the City more than $7 million dollars, and the number is expected to rise as the program matures.
Longer life span
LED technology, has an average lifespan of an impressive up 50,000 hours or more – compared to an average CFL’s lifespan of approximately 8,000 hours, and incandescent light bulbs’ lifespan of 1,200 hour. That means, an LED light bulb is an investment you make to last for many years or decades for your residential and or commercial premises.
For public lighting, this long life span translates to large cost savings in terms of maintenance.
Instead of having to replace conventional light bulbs regularly and thereby generating high maintenance costs, LED light bulbs’ exceptional lifespan leads to significant cost-savings with regards to maintenance and replacement workloads.
Light Distribution
A major advantage of LED lighting comes in the form of light distribution and disbursement. Due to their energy efficiency in converting energy to light, they are able to better direct light to a specific location. This can be particularly useful and important when trying to accent particular parts of a room. Conventional lighting spreads light across an area, while LED lighting can accurately focus on a precise object or area.
Environmental friendliness / greener lighting option
LED lighting does not contain the highly toxic mercury, unlike CFL bulbs, which can be harmful not only to the environment but also to your personal health. LED lights are free of toxic materials and are 100% recyclable. In addition, the non-effect of on/off cycling in LED bulbs means their lifespan does not decrease. The much lower output of heat which also ensures that the bulbs typically do not overheat.
Conclusion
It is high time to start saving money and benefit from longer-lasting land sustainable lighting by choosing LED lighting systems. Most importantly, in doing so you can do your part to save the planet when you choose greener and more environmentally friendly LED lighting.