LEDs
Are Changing the Face of Home Illumination
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Posted 15 hours ago
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Need to replace a light bulb? If you even think about screwing in an incandescent bulb others may look at you like you have the plague. That's because the marketing executives for compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) companies have done a super job at solidifying the benefits of CFLs in the mind of consumers --especially those who want to keep abreast of the green movement.
CFLs use far less energy than incandescent bulbs and have a longer lifespan. The trend to convert light bulbs from incandescent to CFL has happened so fast over the last several years, that incandescent bulbs are virtually defunct. But as good as CFLs are, there may be a light that is even better --with even fewer negative aspects.
You see, as good as CFL bulbs may be, there is one inherent risk to using them: They contain mercury vapor. Should a CFL be broken or disposed of in a manner that should crack the bulb, that mercury is released. Although the mercury they contain is in relatively small amounts, there is still the potential for danger. Also, while not as hot as incandescent bulbs, or halogen bulbs for that matter, CFLs can give off a little heat. In light of these downsides, LED lights are quickly gaining appreciation and are being readily used in new construction projects.
LED, or "light emitting diode," lights have an intake of energy that is far less than any other type of light source. LED light bulbs are semiconductors, just like the chips in your computer. These semiconductors emit energy in the form of photons of light. They also last very long. Research has indicated that LEDs can provide any where from 50,000 to 100,000 hours of consecutive light --this translates into five to 10 years of continual use off of one light bulb without ever having to change it. Because of their unique technology, LED lights convert 80 percent of electrical energy into light energy, with only 20 percent wasted as a heat byproduct. This keeps the lights very cool to the touch. In contrast, incandescent bulbs convert the energy into 20 percent light and the remaining 80 percent is heat.
One disadvantage to LEDs is their cost. While it is true that as technology continues to evolve and demand for the bulb increases, costs will slowly come down, the fact remains that LEDs are one of the most expensive lighting sources available. Still, supporters of LEDs say that the initial cost investment is far eclipsed by the savings garnered by using LEDs and saving on energy expenses. Plus, since LEDs rarely need to be replaced, the purchase price may seem more reasonable when one thinks about how many packages of incandescent or CFLs would need to be purchased to equal the LEDs longevity.
When purchasing LEDs, keep these pointers in mind.
* LED light bulbs operate with one or more tiny semiconductor lamps to produce very focused light. LED lamps are currently available in two forms: traditional LEDs (typically 5mm), which are smaller, and high power LEDs.
* Experts say the more LEDs, the better the light dispersion. Always get LED bulbs with more than one LED. Otherwise you may experience a conspicuous border or "halo" on the walls from a single LED. LEDs are good for task lighting, replacing flood lights, and for track lighting.
* Check the color of the LED light. White LEDs are typically "cooler" and bluer, even compared to fluorescent sources. Often there is a trade-off between efficiency and color. The warmer colored white LEDs provide less light per watt of electricity consumed, compared to the cooler white LEDs.
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