Benefits of LED Lights
Benefits of LED Lights
LEDs emit radiant energy in the visible light spectrum, unlike traditional light sources that produce UV and IR radiation. Radiation in these wavelengths can cause deterioration of organic materials and pose photobiological risks.
LEDs have high luminous efficacies that far surpass the performance of incandescent, halogen, fluorescent, and mercury vapor bulbs. This translates to significant cost savings for lighting providers and consumers alike.
Energy Savings
LED lights use very little energy, resulting in significant savings on your utility bills. These savings can help reduce your facility’s energy costs and contribute to a more sustainable planet.
They also emit less heat than incandescent bulbs, which reduces the amount of energy lost through heating. This makes them safer for use in areas where people may come into contact with them, such as a workplace or an airport cabin.
An LED bulb works by passing an electric current through a semiconductor diode. This diode has a positive layer with openings for electrons and a negative layer that has free electrons floating around it. When the electric current passes through the semiconductor, it excites the electrons to release photons. Those photons then emit light, according to How Stuff Works.
Traditional bulbs produce a single color, but LEDs can be designed to produce many different colors. They also can be tuned to a specific wavelength of light to encourage plant growth.
LEDs don’t contain toxic materials like mercury, which make them much safer for disposal. Additionally, they’re made from durable materials that are easy to recycle, which can also help cut down on waste and environmental pollution.
When upgrading your facility to LED lighting, check for rebate programs that can offset the cost of the investment. These programs can save you anywhere between 10% and led lights 30% on the initial purchase, as well as reduce your overall utility bill.
Long Lifespan
Unlike traditional bulbs that burn out suddenly, LED lights can last for a much longer time, even when subjected to regular usage. LED manufacturers typically include a lifespan estimate on their packaging, which is usually in the range of 50,000 hours or more.
This is an impressive figure, especially considering that other lighting options are far less durable. However, it’s important to keep in mind that actual LED light usage will play a major role in how long your bulbs actually last.
A good rule of thumb is to divide the manufacturer’s rated lifespan by your average number of hours of daily use. For example, a retail store that is open 24 hours each day will likely need new bulbs sooner than a mudroom light that no one ever remembers to shut off.
Another factor to consider is the type of environment in which your lights are installed. Using them in a hot environment can decrease their lifespan, as can exposing them to constant vibration or shock. Finally, using a surge protector is an excellent way to protect your bulbs from electrical spikes and surges.
There are also several other simple things that can help you get the most out of your LED lights’ lifespan. For instance, turning them off when not in use helps conserve energy and prevent heat buildup. Regular cleaning of the lenses and diffusers can minimize dirt accumulation and maintain lighting quality. Lastly, ensuring your bulbs are properly installed and not over tightened can also extend their lifespans.
Comfortable Lighting
Unlike traditional bulbs that are available only in certain colors and temperatures, LEDs offer a wide range of hanging track lights lighting options. For example, LED bulbs can be adapted to emit different colour lights depending on their temperature (measured in Kelvins), giving you the option of both warm and cool white colours as well as an array of light temperatures that create different moods for any space.
Smart LED lights come in a variety of forms and can be controlled by voice commands, mobile apps or even your existing home automation systems. They can also come in dimming capabilities, allowing you to control the lighting in your space with just a push of a button or voice command.
In addition, LED lights do not produce any infrared or ultraviolet waves, which means they are safe to use for illuminating items like artwork that may be damaged by UV radiation. They also tend to produce a lot less heat, which can make a significant difference in the comfort of your space. This is especially helpful in spaces where people spend a lot of time, such as a kitchen or living room. LED lighting can also help combat the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder by mimicking natural sunlight and helping regulate melatonin levels. This results in improved sleep, lower stress and more energy.
Low Voltage
Low voltage capabilities allow for more versatility of lighting installations, especially in difficult to reach spaces. For instance, recessed LED downlights can be installed in tighter ‘slot’ spaces than line voltage fixtures can. This also allows for more compact fixtures that are ideal for spaces where space is limited or where it would be cost prohibitive to add more line voltage fixtures.
Another benefit of low voltage lighting is the efficiency that comes with it. This is largely due to the fact that LEDs operate within a specific current range that is constantly monitored by their drivers to ensure they do not overheat. As a result, fewer AC-DC power conversions are needed to provide the same amount of light as line voltage fixtures do. This in turn translates into less wasted energy and higher luminous efficacy (lumens/watt).
In addition, LED drivers are built to be as small and affordable as possible, but this does not come without its drawbacks. The driver’s lifespan is significantly shorter than that of the LEDs themselves, which can lead to frequent replacement of the drivers and a higher overall maintenance cost.
As a result, it is important to consult the installation guidelines for each individual LED driver before beginning work. This will help to ensure proper usage and avoid any potential issues that may arise during installation or maintenance. For example, it is best to limit the wattage capacity of any LED fixture to no more than 80% of its driver’s maximum rated load. Doing so helps to prevent overstressing the driver and reducing its lifespan.