LED is an acronym for Light-Emitting Diode. It refers to a light source that emits light when an electrical current passes through a microchip in the LED product.
Oleg Losev created the first LED in 1927, but LED lighting has only recently begun to dominate lighting preferences. LED light was initially costly and far beyond what the average American could afford. However, with developments in production methods and technology, LED lighting has become affordable. As a result, many people are turning towards LED light for the following benefits.
Longevity
Incandescent bulbs and fluorescent tubes are the alternatives to LED bulbs. The former two have lifespans of around 1,500 and 6,000 hours, respectively. In contrast, LED bulbs have a lifespan of 60,000 hours. That’s almost 7 years of constant use (i.e., your bulb is on 24/7). Even if you turn on your bulb for 12 hours a day, which is a stretch, an LED bulb will last for 14 years. This makes the cost of replacement negligible since the bulb will more than justify its cost over its lifespan. Since LEDs use semiconductor material instead of the neon gas or filament, LEDs are also sturdier than incandescent and fluorescent lighting. This makes the cost of maintenance negligible too.
Efficiency
The longevity and sturdiness of LED lighting isn’t the only source of its cost-saving properties. LED bulbs use around 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs, which makes using LED lighting significantly cheaper than other lighting. This efficiency makes LED lights much easier on your utility bills.
Safety
LEDs have significantly lower fire and burn risks than incandescent lighting. Incandescent bulbs release 90% of their energy as heat. If you’ve ever touched an incandescent bulb that’s been on for a while, you know how hot they can get. Consequently, these bulbs pose a significant fire risk to your home. In contrast, LED bulbs release barely any energy as heat. If you touch one that’s been on for a while, they may be slightly warm, if not outright cold. In tandem with their sturdiness, they’re a much safer lighting choice.
Usability
LED lighting can be used for a variety of purposes, so you’re not restraining yourself by opting for their safety and efficiency. LEDs can be used for lamps, night lights, spotlights, and you’ll even find them in your smartphones and televisions. In effect, they can be used in every aspect of residential lighting.
If you’re looking to rework your residential lighting with LED, contact us at RHK Electrical. We’re located in Cypress, TX, but we serve places throughout Texas, like Katy and Magnolia, and we offer LED lighting solutions, among other electrical services. Get in touch, and we’ll help you reinvent your home’s lighting structure.