Without making it too complicated, LEDs work by transporting electrons through a semiconductor to create light. This single LED creates a solid light, as many people have seen on keychain LED lights; when a number of LEDs are grouped together, though, a high level of light can be achieved by using a fraction of the energy that would have been used otherwise. Compared to traditional lights, 80% of the electricity used by LEDs is transformed to light, whereas only 10% of the electricity used by incandescent bulbs is converted to light. This is the huge benefit of LEDs - their ability to produce the same level of light at a fraction of the energy cost.
LEDs are still rather high priced, though. Costing around 3 times more than an incandescent bulb, the initial purchasing cost is greater; this cost is made up for quickly in electricity savings, however.
Uses in the home are limitless; for example, in the kitchen, more under cabinet lighting is created using small LED "pucks" which illuminate a small area. These lights are strung together under the counter, creating a well-lit working area. In home lighting, LEDs possess the ability to do the work of the traditional light bulb in almost every situation, and often more efficiently.
Some of the advantages of LEDs over incandescent bulbs are obvious. Electricity savings are an area in which LEDs excel greatly, as well as their ease of installation. Along with this, LEDs last over 50 times longer than incandescent light bulbs. LEDs shine up to 50,000 hours or more at full luminosity. The durability of LEDs is another selling point, which is why LEDs are being used more in automobiles and in machinery. Newer vehicles are utilizing LED bulbs in the tail-lights so that they do not have to be replaced nearly as often and also due to the fact that they stand up to the vibration; since there are no filaments or fragile glass exteriors to shatter, LEDs are emerging as the first choice in demanding lighting situations.
In the home lighting realm, LEDs are a great choice because they do not burn out; rather, they gradually dim after around 50,000 hours. Interference is also immensely reduced as compared to fluorescents, which often interfere with televisions, phones, and audio devices.
More track lighting pendants are making use of the LED technology. Since the LED is a directional light, these are great for lighting areas such as an island in the kitchen or overhead lighting in a workspace such as an office.
Even though the initial investment is higher, it is worth the home lighting designer's time to look into the advantages of LED lighting. This technology is gaining support due to its durability, cost-efficiency, and long-life, and could one day replace the traditional light bulbs we are so used to.
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