Lighting is an incredibly important part of changing the way your home feels. That being said, leaving lights on your home can seem expensive so you want to make sure you’re getting the most out of your lights. The changeover to more energy-efficient lighting has caused a lot of confusion for consumers. These new bulbs promise to provide better light, with less energy use. However, they are generally more expensive than traditional, incandescent bulbs and have puzzling power designations, compared to traditional bulbs. Here’s an explanation of how LED lighting works and why it’s a better option for more sustainable living.
What Is a Light-emitting Diode Anyway?
A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor that directs the flow of an electrical current. Diodes are often used in electronic equipment to control power or to convert power. A light-emitting diode is very small, but when electricity is run through it, the diode can emit powerful light. This light can then be used in a variety of ways, such as on-device controls, digital clocks, signage, and lighting in public areas. It can also be used to make more energy-efficient light bulbs for home use.
How Does LED Lighting Work?
The electrons in the semiconductor material release photons in the form of light. Early types of LED lighting did not provide sufficient light for people’s everyday needs. Slightly later types of LED lighting did not provide the tone of light that people needed to see properly for tasks. Today’s LED lighting provides the right amount and type of light needed for everyday use. It does this using much less electricity than traditional, incandescent lighting or even compact fluorescent lighting. Instead of watts, LED bulbs use “lumens” to designate brightness. A 40-watt incandescent bulb would translate to a 450-lumen LED bulb. A 100-watt bulb would need a 1600-lumen LED bulb. The color of the light can also be chosen for specific needs.
LED Lighting Beats Traditional Lighting in Several Ways
Although the change to LED lighting can take some getting used to, the advantages are measurable in terms of lowering energy costs and convenience. Using LED light bulbs can significantly lower energy. In addition, LED bulbs last much longer, which means consumers will spend less time changing burnt-out bulbs. The energy savings and the time saved from not replacing bulbs more than makes up for the additional cost of LED lighting.
Once you become familiar with the types of LED lighting and learn the different wattages, you can easily choose the right bulbs for your needs. You will soon see the advantages of LED lighting, thus requiring fewer bulb changes and more reliable light.
