There are different generations of light bulbs in the market. It is important to know the benefits and drawbacks of each generation to make the best choices. Here’s a brief description of each light generations:
1. Incandescent bulb
They are not energy efficient – less than 10% of electrical power supplied to the bulb is converted into visible light. The remaining energy is lost as heat. If you touch one of them when they are turned on, you can feel it.
2. Fluorescent lamp
These bulbs are about 4 times more efficient than incandescent bulbs and they have a longer life span. But they are cold temperature-sensitive, not recommended for enclosed fixtures, can have a higher initial cost than incandescent, have a longer warm-up time, they may have limited color temperatures, do not dim nearly as smoothly, and dimming decreases the life of the bulb. However, none of these are that important. The real issue is the mercury contained and the disposal related issues of how to properly dispose of a fluorescent bulb and its internal ballast.
3. Compact fluorescent lamps(CFLs)
They are simply smaller versions of full-sized fluorescent lighting with the same advantages and disadvantages.
4. Light Emitting Diode (LEDs)
LEDs began as exciting but expensive electronic components in the sixties, used in handheld calculators and other similar devices. Through research and development, LED technology advanced, became more efficient and less expensive, until it reached its current form. LEDs can now be used for a number of lighting applications and are available across the spectrum of visible, infrared, and ultraviolet light. Top 8 Benefits of Using LED Lights are:
Efficiency
LEDs are packed powerfully with sufficient energy and use up to 90% less power than incandescent light bulbs. Since LEDs use less energy than an incandescent bulb, there is a dramatic decrease in power costs, and thus, the money you dish out every month towards your utility bills. Money and energy are saved in maintenance and replacement costs due to the long LED life expectancy.
Longevity
LEDs have a life span of up to 60,000 hours as opposed to 1,500 hours typical of incandescent bulbs. A great LED light can last over 7 years of constant use before needing a replacement. Usually, LED bulbs last ten times as long as small fluorescent bulbs and 133 times longer than typical incandescent bulbs. The long lifetime of LEDs will drastically reduce maintenance costs and lower long-term operating costs compared to traditional fluorescent lights.
Sturdiness
LEDs are solid express lighting devices that utilize semiconductor material rather than a filament or neon gas. An LED light is a tiny chip exemplified in an epoxy plant enclosure, which makes LEDs far sturdier than traditional incandescent bulbs or neon tubes.
Safety
Superior safety may be the most significant benefit of LEDs. LED lamps generate almost no warmth therefore they are cool to the touch and can be left on for hours without incident or consequence if touched. LEDs produce 3.4 BTU’s/hour compared to 85 for incandescent bulbs. LEDs reduce the potential for safety hazards, such as burns and fires.
Environment
LEDs are made of non-toxic materials, unlike neon lighting that uses mercury that may pose a danger to the environment. LED is recyclable and also considered “green”, or earth-friendly.
Color
LED lightings are offered in a variety of base colors, such as red, blue, and amber. Due to the fact that traditional incandescent bulbs use filters to produce colors. In contrast, LEDs can be mixed together to produce large numbers of color options.
Long-term
LEDs are poised to replace traditional incandescent lights. LEDs are rapidly becoming the preferred lighting solution for both homes and offices. LED technology is continually advancing, producing brighter LED light bulbs; with far more color variety.
Uses
LEDs are currently used for a wide variety of different applications, such as in residential lighting, the military, as well as the architectural, automotive, transmissions, electronic instrumentation, the entertainment and gaming, the military, and the traffic and transportation industry. Since LEDs are focused light, they are great at performing some specific lighting tasks, such as desk lamps, reading lights, night lights, security signals, spotlights, accent lamps, and lighting for signs.
LED lighting is growing in popularity within the industry, with proponents proclaiming that it is a more sustainable source. However, this cost is said to be regained over its lifetime and the fixtures are said to have sufficient benefits. Other benefits of the LED light include:
1. LED products are lead and mercury-free.
2. Due to its long-lasting life, maintenance and related costs are saved since the lights don’t have to be changed as frequently.
3. LED light’s performance is better than traditional alternatives in low temperatures, permitting a wider span of consumption.
4. These lights offer extremely low UV and IR light.
5. One of the key benefits is energy saving. These lights consume less electricity than traditional kinds of lighting.
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