You probably have heard a lot about LED bulbs. Shop consultants claim that you will lose nothing. Can LED-bulbs’ usage bring you only positive results? In the following text you will break the subject down.
What’s LED?
The story of these type of light bulbs started one hundred years ago. At the beginning of XX century, British scientist H. J. Round invented electroluminescence, the material LED-bulbs use for light production. LEDs were used in the 1960s, and that time they were used in some electronic stuff like a calculator or remote controls. Nowadays, such bulb can replace any type of the “old” bulbs and can be used anywhere. It is not only about ceiling lamps but also about other lightening fixtures like desk lamps etc.
The principles of work are a little bit different to other types of bulbs. For instance, in an incandescent bulb, passing electricity goes through a wire or filament. The electrical resistance causes it to get so hot that it produces electricity.
LEDs don’t have a filament. On the contrary, they have the light emitting diode (or LED) that works by passing current through the diode. Then, it emits light through the principle of electroluminescence. Though, these are a couple of clever words. To clear up, it means that LED bulb can work only when the power button is on.
Pros of LED lights
Here is the list of advantages of LED lighting:
Energy efficiency: It’s a well-known fact that LEDs consume less emergy. Let’s find out how many it takes. The scientists proved, that in average to produce 1,100 lumens (measure of brightness from a light source) incandescent bulb will use 75w; CFL bulb will consume 25w of electricity. On the contrary, LED will use only 15w. The result can be seen by anyone. So, the statement about energy efficiency seem to be logical, isn’t it?
Usage: LEDs are claimed to be really long lasting: they can work in comfortable conditions for more than 20 years. Looking on the fact that the bulb can save you by 90% of electricity bills. Such fact shows great advantage of LEDS, isn’t it?
Different sizes: Because LEDs are very small, companies are producing a big variety of LEDs for anything you need. It can be both small bulb line for kitchen lighting, as well as some small bulbs for mobile phones, calculators or cars. Be aware of what lighting do you need more. I know a lot of people that used LEDs without an understanding of its place in the room. It’s more about design, but this fact is still important.
Safety: LEDs don’t contain mercury of other dangerous elements like CFLs or fluorescent lamps. So, your health is not under the danger. But what about your mental health? As well, your nerves will be saved if the lamp expired. It will not burn out in a flash like other bulbs. On the contrary, it will slowly fade. You will have enough time to visit the shop and find another.
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Cons of LED lights
While LED lights have lots of advantages, you need to be little attentive at times, let’s take a look at when:
When you buy it: The LED-bulb market is not under the governmental check. Because it regulates itself, not every light bulb will have appropriate quality. Be aware that you may buy a duplicate copy or just low-quality bulb. So, be attentive. In my opinion, it will be better to buy in well-recommended shops. Remember that if the bulb is produced well, it will work above 20 years.
When you choose color: Incandescent bulbs warm up to the temperature of 0-2900K. LEDs show lower results, around 3000K-4900K. That means you will probably see bright white color but not that warm. Nevertheless, you can solve this problem easily. You should look attentively and buy LED with a temperature below 2900K.
Still, we would advise checking LEDs to your color needs. Some people don’t care about it, but you may pay huge attention. First, try different types. In my situation, I have found “my” LED bulb only after trying three different companies. But now I pay pennies, and my house is lightened very well.
When you decide on dimmer: To make your dimmer to recognize low electrical loads, you will need to upgrade it. Of course, it is not that hard because you will make it only once. It is not a rule that all LEDs don’t work with common dimmers. But, sometimes manufacturers request another dimmer types. If you are still hesitate whether to change the dimmer, I want to say a word about efficiency. Dimming LEDs saves energy too, experts say about 50%. Quite persuasive, right?
LEDs are the best lighting system we have right now. It is far better than CFLs and other lights. Just be little cautious when buying so you don;t end up buying the wrong product.
