The benefits of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) have been recognised for decades, but it’s only in recent years that the newest generation of LED lighting has become widely adopted by businesses and households. In the UK, the sale of incandescent bulbs ceased in 2012, higher energy halogen bulbs were banned in September 2021, and fluorescent bulbs are set to be phased out gradually. By 2030, the government is aiming for 85% of bulbs sold to be LEDs. Today, we look at the top ten benefits of switching to LED lighting:
- Energy efficiency
One of the most significant benefits of LED lighting is its energy efficiency, a phrase we hear a lot these days. Although you may think that one bulb can’t make that much difference to your energy bill, LEDs use up to 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and about 50% less than fluorescent bulbs. Consider how many bulbs you have in your home or business – this substantial reduction in energy consumption translates to lower electricity bills and a reduced carbon footprint, making LEDs an eco-friendly choice.
- LEDs last longer
According to the government, one of the benefits of LED lighting is that they last up to 5 times longer than halogen bulbs. Other sources say that halogen bulbs typically last for 1,500 hours, whereas LED lights last for anything from 35,000 to 100,000 hours! Although there may be some debate as to exactly how long they last, this longevity means fewer replacements, less maintenance, and long-term savings on replacement costs.
- Durability
Did you know that it used to be the case to check a box of traditional light bulbs before buying, much like a box of eggs, to check they were all intact before buying? Unlike incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, LEDs are resistant to shock, vibrations, and external impacts, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. They’re so sturdy because an LED is made of compound semiconductor materials, which emit light when the electrical current passes through them, allowing them to withstand rough handling and extreme temperatures.
- No more burnt fingers!
Have you ever tried to change a standard bulb right after it’s blown? Halogen and incandescent bulbs generate light through heat, making them extremely hot to the touch after use. One of the practical benefits of LED bulbs is that they don’t emit heat, so you can change them without wincing!
- LEDs are environmentally friendly
Fluorescent bulbs contain mercury, so they have to be carefully disposed of when they’ve stopped working, or they will inevitably cause damage to the environment. On the other hand, LED lights benefit from being made from compound materials that are recyclable and not harmful to the environment upon disposal.
- Matchy-matchy
Traditional, incandescent bulbs, could be coated with a colour such as blue or red, but that coating would dim the amount of light that could pass through the glass of the bulb. However, LED lights can emit a wide range of different colours, matching whatever decor you have in your home or business in a visually appealing way. Additionally, LED strip lighting is becoming commonly used in homes and business reception areas to highlight feature walls, signage and focal pieces of furniture.
- The most versatile bulbs
The versatility of LED lighting is unmatched; LEDs come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colours, making them suitable for diverse applications. From residential and commercial lighting to automotive, industrial, and outdoor lighting, LEDs can be tailored to meet specific needs and design preferences.
- LEDs operate at a lower voltage
If you install a low voltage lighting system, which operates at around 12V, you and your employees or family are far less likely to suffer a harmful electric shock if your lighting system is damaged or exposed to the elements. Voltage systems used to power traditional lighting generate around 120V, which can be fatal if accidentally touched.
- Smart lighting capabilities
If you want to wow your guests at a party, choose LEDs! At the forefront of smart lighting technology, LEDs can be easily integrated with smart home systems, allowing you to control your lighting remotely via smartphones or voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Features such as dimming, scheduling, and colour changing enhance convenience and energy efficiency, as well as that wow factor.
- LEDs are even good for your health!
Incredibly, LED lighting can even have positive effects on your health and well-being: they provide better lighting quality that reduces eye strain and headaches associated with poor lighting. Additionally, LEDs can be adjusted to minimise blue light exposure, which can interfere with sleep patterns, promoting better sleep hygiene.
Overall, LED lights offer many advantages, and are an easy, cost-efficient way of reducing your carbon footprint. Whether you are upgrading your home lighting, outfitting a new office, or enhancing outdoor spaces, LED lighting offers a bright, efficient, and sustainable option. Contact us today if you want to make the change to LED – there’s no job too small for us at Carter Electrical Installation!