Considering LED lighting? Here’s what you need to know

LEDs, also known as ‘Light-Emitting Diodes’, are the newest technology when it comes to lighting.

They are also the most energy efficient and rapidly developing lighting technology currently on the market.

But what’s so special about LED lighting?

There is a laundry list of things that put LED lighting above their counterparts. Here are just a few reasons you should be looking into getting them for your home:

DURABILITY

LED lighting lasts longer and is more durable than other lighting options (while offering comparable or superior light).

The durability of the actual light component itself is down to the fact that they are solid state lights and therefore do not require a traditional glass bulb surrounding a filament or neon gas.

In layman’s terms, they are made of more compact, sturdy material than other lights so are less vulnerable to physical damage.

But how much longer will LEDs last than my current lighting, I hear you ask?

LED’s have a lifespan of up to 60,000 hours as opposed to the 1,500 hours typical of incandescent bulbs.

The average LED light also lasts 2 – 4 times longer than most fluorescent, metal halide and sodium vapour lights.

This means you won’t have to replace your lights as frequently, saving you both time and money.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Here’s the big question – are LED’s really that much more energy efficient than other lights?

The answer: Yes.

LED lights generally consume very small amounts of power when compared to other lighting options. In fact, LEDs can increase energy efficiency by 60-75% – in some cases up to 90%.

This energy efficiency is also down to the fact that LED’s only emit light for 180 degrees whereas most other bulbs emit light for 360 degrees.

At first read you might be thinking that you would want to go with the option that gives off the 360 degrees, right?

Well the issue with 360 degree light is that 180 degrees of it is being directed straight into the ceiling rather than the room you are trying to illuminate.

LEDs also emit almost no heat in comparison to traditional light bulbs like incandescents which convert more than 90% of the total energy they use into heat.

Which leads me into the next point…

SAFETY

LEDs are safer than other forms of lighting.

Heat is a largely overlooked hazard when it comes to lighting. The fact that LEDs emit almost no heat at all reduces the risk of burns and fire.

LEDs can also operate at a lower voltage than other lighting options which is safer in the event that something goes wrong.

VERSATILITY

They can operate at virtually any lighting percentage and unlike some other options they actually get more efficient as the power is reduced.

They also have a good colour rendering index so they can display colours in a way that is closer to their appearance in natural light.

However, you can also get LEDs to suit your tastes in a large shade range from soft yellows to bright whites.

CONVENIENCE

LED lights work instantly – there is no warm up period, they are bright immediately. They can also be turned on and off frequently without it affecting their performance.