LED lighting is one of the most rapidly-developing lighting technologies on the market. These lights come in various shapes and sizes and can be used in countless home and industrial products. As these game-changing lights increase in ability and availability, they become a more practical solution for prudent property owners.
Read on to learn more about this advanced illumination source and the top benefits of LED lightning.
How Do LED Lights Work?
Light-emitting diodes (LED) are semiconductors that generate light through electroluminescence, or electricity passing through a semiconductor material. This process is completely different than what you find in other types of lightbulbs. For example, an incandescent light bulb passes electricity through a filament to produce a familiar glow. Halogen bulbs are similar to incandescent bulbs but use a tungsten filament enclosed with inert gas. Fluorescent bulbs force electrical current through mercury vapor to emit ultraviolet radiation and create light.
The first LED lights came on the scene in the early 1960s by Nick Holonyak Jr, a General Electric scientist. They were first used as indicator lights on circuit boards but soon became popular for other applications. Modern LED lighting is considered part of this technology's third generation, replacing many other lighting systems currently in use.
LED light bulbs are available in various products, from Christmas lights to industrial lighting. They are becoming a popular option for replacing typical recessed lighting in homes and make a great addition under your cabinets and other locations. You will also find LEDs in street and parking lights, refrigerated cases, and modular/task lighting systems.
The Five Benefits of LED Lighting
Longer LIfespan
When you compare the average lifespan of your average incandescent light bulb, LED lighting seemingly lasts forever. The average lifespan of a typical incandescent bulb lasts about 1,000 hours. “How long do LED lights last,” you ask: 50,000 to 100,000 hours, depending on how they are used. Even if you use fluorescent or halogen lights, an LED light will easily last two to four times longer.
LED lighting is also more efficient than traditional lighting sources. Experts measure energy efficiency in lumens, which is the amount of light emitted for each watt the bulb uses. A traditional bulb produces about 15 lumens per watt, and an LED light produces 75-110 lumens per watt.
By replacing all of the lights in your home, office, or another facility with LED lights, you would see a 60% and 90% improvement in your property’s overall energy efficiency. Energy efficiency is directly related to cost savings. When you have more efficient light bulbs and longer-lasting lighting equipment, you will not have to replace them as often, thus making your light bills even liter.
Environmentally Friendly
Eco-friendly consumers love the energy-efficient operation of LED lighting. Everyone understands the importance of going green, from the CEO to the homemaker. In fact, companies that put efforts into reducing their carbon footprint attract more socially-conscious and loyal customers.
Not only do LED lights last longer and use less energy to operate, but they also come from eco-friendly manufacturing processes. Fluorescent, halogen, and fluorescent lighting use different gases in their production and use. That means they require special handling when they no longer work, and mishandling could cause a negative environmental impact. These issues do not exist with LED lights.
Temperature Resistant
Anyone who has touched an incandescent light bu;b after it has been on for a while knows how hot these bulbs can get. Most traditional light bulbs turn most of their energy into heat and only a small amount into actual light. The brighter the light, the hotter it gets.
You’re probably wondering, “do LED lights get hot?” LED lighting produces almost no heat. That makes LED lights a better option for illuminating actors on stage, showcasing works of art, or using them in small spaces. Continued heat can lead to damage, degradation, and sweating.
On the other end of the spectrum, LED lighting can operate in any condition. Most traditional light sources do not like cold weather. When the temperature drops, it requires more power to reach the desired brightness level. LED lights perform much better in cold temperatures. That’s why LEDs are more popular in freezers, cold storage spaces, and outdoor spaces.
Greater Flexibility
LEDs are as small as a spec of salt, which means they can be used in various applications. You can combine them in bunches to achieve the same results as a traditional bulb and use them in a line for things like string lighting. There is really nothing they cannot do.
Since LEDs start small and can be combined to make something large, they can be used for practically anything. You can use them as tiny indicator lights on a circuit board or illuminate a major league baseball stadium.
Directional Capabilities
Traditional lighting emits light in every direction. If you want the light to illuminate only a specific area, you have to buy additional accessories to direct the light the way you want it to go. Even with reflectors and other gear that aims light, a good deal of the light produced is wasted, which results in inefficient and more expensive use.
An LED light only lights in one direction (180 degrees). That means you can easily aim it the way you want and not waste energy or money. LED lights are the perfect way to add recessed lighting in your kitchen, hallway, or bathroom. Since LEDs are so flexible, you can easily use several of them together to achieve a 360-degree lighting effect when desired.
Let Watson’s Charging Stations & Electric Brighten Your World
Whether you are a home or business owner, there are plenty of reasons why LED lighting makes sense for you. When it is time to replace your inefficient lights with cost-saving LEDs, give Watson’s Charging Stations & Electric a call. We love helping property owners design their perfect lighting setup, from replacing existing lights to adding new ones and everything in between. We offer a variety of electrical services in Gilroy, CA, and the Santa Clara Valley, from electrical repairs to new installations.
If you are looking for a Gilroy electrician with competitive pricing, quality workmanship, and an excellent reputation, Watson’s Charging Stations & Electric is your team. Schedule your free consultation and learn more about how LED lighting or our other electrical services can benefit you.