Just as you upgraded your TV and phone from analog systems to digital for better sound and picture quality, the lighting industry has been modernizing its options and products to offer consumers greater energy efficiency.
For several years, traditional incandescent lightbulbs have been phased out in favor of halogen and compact fluorescent lights. More recent innovations have focused on LED bulbs, which essentially produce digital light.
LEDs generally cost more to purchase than fluorescent lights, but they are much less expensive to operate over time.
Longevity and Efficiency in One
Known for their longevity and efficiency, LED bulbs have an estimated lifespan of up to 50,000 hours. This means that if you used an LED fixture eight hours per day, it would take about 17 years before it would need to be replaced.
LEDs are different from fluorescent and incandescent light sources, as LEDs do not contain gas or a filament. Instead, the entire unit relies on a semiconductor, which is solid in nature and makes the bulb more durable.
LED bulbs contain two conductive materials placed together on a chip, or diode. Electricity passes through the diode, releasing energy in the form of light.
Unlike some other bulbs, LEDs achieve full illumination immediately.
Cost
If you use traditional bulbs and your power cost for lighting is $100, you could lower that amount to $20 by switching to LED illumination.
Outdoor Use
LEDs are ideal for outdoor use because of their durability. They are resistant to vibrations, shock and external conditions, such as weather and cold temperatures. LEDs also can be dimmed, allowing maximum flexibility in usage.
Smart Choice for Emergencies
If you have a portable generator or battery backup to use in the event of a power outage or weather emergency, LEDs are a smart complement. Because they draw so little power, using LED bulbs instead of CFL or traditional bulbs allows you to illuminate more areas and channel the “saved” energy to other applications.
Don’t Be Fooled
When purchasing an LED bulb, look for the Energy Star label to ensure that you have a genuine product, as there are poor-quality LED products in the marketplace.
