LED lights are the new best things in lighting. LED stands for ‘Light Emitting Diode’, semiconductors that convert energy into light.
If you haven’t noticed it yet, the switch to LED lighting is now the norm for lighting applications. They offer a range of advantages compared to traditional methods, making them the most cost-effective and energy-efficient solution currently available.
Buyer beware of buying cheap LEDs: Everyone wants to get the best value for money, but you should be wary of cheap (unbranded) LED’s. It may be cheaper upfront but may cost you more than twice or three times as much in the long run. The unbranded Cheaper LED’s will most likely fail in less than a year and leave you buying replacements.
LED lights are created differently compared to conventional light bulbs. Traditional lights spend more energy creating heat than producing light.
LED lights use energy to output light through a diode, meaning less energy wasted. In turn, LEDs run cooler and use energy more efficiently, saving you up to 85% on light usage.
The fact that LED’s run cooler also means that they last a lot longer than other lights. Quality LED’s can last up to 10 years with no special care required. Replacements can mean downtime if your property has high ceilings, saving you time, effort, and money.
Traditional lights emit light in every direction because of the way they are created. The best way to direct light used to be using shades or reflectors, but not anymore.
LED lights are ideal for directional lighting and are designed to shive a certain way. You use LED downlights to create any ambience you desire with many different possibilities.
LED lights stay cool because they operate at low voltages. Traditional lights become so hot that they fuse to fittings, making them difficult to remove.
LED lights are always easy to remove and remain cool to the touch. The fact that they operate cooler than traditional lights also makes them less of a fire hazard.
Inefficient lights generate up to 300 degrees, meaning that they could be affecting the temperature of your rooms. By switching to LED’s this extra heat can be eliminated, saving you more on your air conditioning costs.
LED lights come in all different shapes, styles, shades and offer a range of colours. You to pick the right style and desired ambience for any application. For example. LEDs are still able to create the same warm, soft glow as traditional lighting.
LED lights can be dimmed and maintain their true colours. You can even find lights that offer an RGB module (red, green, blue) that can be used to achieve a range of colours.
Cutting lighting energy needs can have a good impact on the environment. LEDs provide a desirable alternative as they also do not contain any toxic chemicals or elements such as mercury. They create fewer emissions and last longer, so it is easy to see how you could benefit from an upgrade.
Switching lights also means no more flickering fluorescent lights. LED’s provide an energy makeover that no other lights can match, improving lux and lighting requirements for businesses and homes.
The light element of an LED is significantly smaller compared to other methods, making them available in compact areas. Some LED’s are as small as 2mm.
LED lights are no doubt the lights of the future. Whether it is to reduce your power bill, maintenance, or reduce waste, LED lights are a safer and smarter solution for lighting needs. If you have not switched yet, you may want to start replacing your bulbs today!
Ciaran, your friendly electrician
CMC Electrical and Communications provide a wide range of electrical services to suit your needs. We offer services from residential electrical to emergency electrical. Get in touch with us for all your electrical needs.