How Are LEDs Different than Other Lights?
Compared to other common types of lights like incandescent bulbs and CFLs, there are some key differences to consider regarding LEDs. Some of these include:
Light Source: The size of LEDs are extremely small—small as a grain of sea salt. And the light source is produced by a mixture of red, green, and blue LEDs that are used to make white light.
Directional: The direction that is emitted by LEDs is what makes these types of lights so different. Their light is emitted in a specific direction, which reduces the need for reflectors and diffusers—these are what traps the light. With other types of lighting, its light must be reflected in a certain direction, which causes much of that light to be wasted and may never even leave the fixture.
Heat: A huge benefit of LED lighting is that it emits less heat than the lighting alternatives. To provide a comparison, incandescent bulbs release 90% of their energy through heat while LEDs release much less. Where Are LEDs Commonly Used? LEDs are used every single second for millions of applications around the globe. Given the many benefits, people are saving money and taking advantage of the many benefits for a wide range of purposes. Check out where these lights are frequently used:
Commercial and Industrial Given the directional and energy-efficient qualities of LEDs, they are widely used for industrial and commercial purposes. It’s common to see these lights used as street lights, in parking garage lighting, in refrigerators, and in lighting areas outside.
Kitchen Lighting Since LEDs are small and directional, they also work extremely well in kitchens. You can usually see these lights under cabinets for lighting countertops, as they work well for reading recipes and cooking.
Standard Bulbs Around the House As incandescent lighting used to be the standard, LED lighting has taken households by storm. After homeowners have learned about the energy-efficient qualities of LED lighting, many are choosing to replace their outdated bulbs with the newer models. With the energy-saving and performance improvements, switching your everyday bulbs to LED is a no brainer. However, you’ll want to check the label on your fixtures to ensure LEDs can be used with them—older fixtures may be limited in their capabilities and power outputs.
Holiday Lights In the past, people all over the world were using holiday lights that weren’t very energy-efficient and that gave off a lot of heat. But once LED lights hit the mainstream world, they have been a far better alternative for decorating. And given that Christmas lights stay on every single night for hours upon hours, the energy savings can really stack up with LEDs. Check out even more benefits of switching to LED lighting during the holidays:
- LED lights are much cooler, which lowers the chance of combustion.
- These lights are also much more durable and won’t break as easily as other types
- Many LED lights can be powered by one socket without it overloading
- LED lights also last extremely long—and might even work 40 years from now
Switching to LED lights for the holidays can give you the savings you need during the expensive gift-buying season.
Vehicles and bicycles: LED lights are used in lighting on vehicles and bicycles. I love my flashing LED lights on my bicycle. They’re super bright and last a long time.
What Does “LED” Really Mean? “LED” stands for light-emitting diode.
Do LED Lights Work in Any Fixture? As LED technology is getting more advanced every day, most LED lights can be used in any fixture. However, there are still some limitations to consider. The standard sockets like E26 and E12 are able to have LED bulbs, but others aren’t in the same boat quite yet. Before changing out your bulbs to LED, you should do your research to ensure your lights can handle the power and advanced technology of LED lighting. How
Long Do LEDs Last? One of the best qualities of LED lighting is that it lasts forever. In fact, many LED options have a lifespan of more than 20,000 hours! And better yet, some models offer a remarkable 90,000 hours of shelf life. That being said, if you use the right bulb for the right fixture, then these lights will stay functioning for decades. This can save you tons of money and can provide some much-needed peace of mind!
Are LEDs Brighter? Many people believe that LED lights are brighter than typical lights, but this isn’t necessarily true. All fixtures out there have a brightness level that depends on how much wattage it can handle—not to mention the number of lumens it can produce. So while you may think that these lights will be brighter, it’s really a matter of wattage.
Do LED Lights Contain Mercury? LED lights should never contain any mercury at all. CFLs and fluorescent lights do, in fact, have a small trace of mercury, which is why these lights should be disposed of properly. That being said, given that no mercury is present in LED lights, you don’t have to worry about a special disposal process.
Are They Similar to CFLs? CFLs and LEDs are both very energy-efficient lights, but there are a few differences to consider. Some of these include:
- CFLs take up to one minute to warm up and power on, while LED bulbs can instantly be turned on.
- When you turn your lights off and on, that will shorten the lifespan of CFLs. With LEDs, this doesn’t affect the lifespan.
- CFLs contain a small amount of mercury, while LEDs are free of this hazardous material.
Do LEDs Ever Fail? Although LEDs are extremely durable and last forever, there is a chance that these lights can fail. Although rare, the common culprit of failure is due to heat. However, good design and the right location of these lights can prevent them from overheating and can result in a much longer lifespan.
