Advantages of LED Bulbs as compared to a normal electric bulb.
Technological advancements and innovation resulted in the availability of an endless variety of light bulbs. Thanks to LED technology, our spaces have become well lit at a lesser cost.
LED is the latest name in the lighting segment and is getting immense recognition for its powerful yet cost-effective performance. In today’s post, we discuss why LED bulbs are preferred over conventional electric bulbs and what are the advantages of switching to LED bulbs.
What are LED bulbs and how do they work?
LED stands of Light Emitting Diode. When speaking technically, LED bulbs don’t really have a bulb in them. In simple words, it is a semiconductor device that delivers light when electric current passes through it. So, a correct reference would be LED lights.
Earlier LED technology was used only for indicator lights and pilot lights in circuit boards, but now you can find an LED lamp in almost every home or office.
People have already started to replace all of their conventional filament bulbs with innovative LED lights. From commercial projects to residential areas, LED lights have endless applications. If you are still using the old-fashioned filament bulb, then think again. The advantages of LED bulb 320 discussed in the next segment will help you understand it in detail.
LED bulb vs. normal bulb
By the word normal bulb, we are referring to the traditional filament bulbs invented by Thomas Edison in 1879. They have become a thing of the past for many reasons. The hassle-free LED lights are more popular than the conventional lighting choices because:
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Energy efficiency:
The operating principle of LED lights is different from normal bulbs. The traditional bulbs have filament filled in it, which glows when electric current passes through it. Therefore, the bulb consumes a higher amount of energy to lighten a room. On the other hand, LED lights have revolutionized the lighting industry because lighting diodes are remarkably energy efficient.
Studies revealed that LED lights are 75% energy savers as compared to normal filament bulbs.
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Brightness:
The technical term for the amount of light dispersed by a bulb is ‘lumens’. To get the desired number of lumens, you would need a higher wattage if you are planning to invest in traditional bulbs. Whereas, a similar number of lumens can be attained from LED at a surprisingly lower wattage.
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Life span:
Most people used to have a dedicated cabinet in their homes where they kept all the spare bulbs to replace the fuse bulbs. The hassles of breaking, flickering or getting fused is the biggest reason people these days prefer LED lights. The lifespan of LED bulbs is remarkably longer.
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Cost:
When LED lights entered the residential segment, the prices were high. However, technology and innovation contributed a lot to bring the prices down. Moreover, when you calculate the overall cost of the light along with the electricity bill, LED lights are the clear winner.
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Environment friendly
Traditional bulbs are manufactured with mercury in it; therefore, it becomes important to discard the fused bulbs carefully. No such hassle is present in LED lights. They are safe to use and manufactured in an eco-friendly way.
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Weather resistance:
Normal bulbs might fail to function if the weather is cold or rainy. This is the reason LED bulbs are mostly used in freezers, outdoor signs or cold displays.
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Heat free operation:
Handling a normal bulb is difficult because it gets hot when an electric current passes through it. There is no risk of heat emission therefore, LED lights are safer choices for every area, including tables, desks, under cabinet lights, etc.
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Lighting direction:
LED bulbs lighten the area at 180 degrees, whereas conventional bulbs disperse light at 360 degrees. Therefore, creating ambient lights with traditional light sources becomes difficult.
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Looks:
The design choices are limited for filament bulbs. Rather than having one bright filament bulb in a room, designers prefer to experiment with smaller LED lights. These cost-effective and energy efficient lights come in sleek designs that suit the taste and theme of contemporary homes and offices.
Are LEDs worth it?
Considering the higher upfront cost, some people might hesitate to buy LEDs right away. However, it’s totally worth it to invest in LEDs if you know which bulb consumes less electricity. For example, if you need 1300 lumens to light up a room, you would require a regular bulb of 100W, whereas a similar amount of brightness can be attained if you buy a 12W LED light. Surprising, isn’t it?
LEDs are way cheaper compared to normal bulbs. Moreover, they are sleek, durable and hassle free. So why spend money on an old-fashioned bulb when you can save your energy consumption with advanced LED technology? Explore the available choices and pick the models which are best suited to your design needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :
Q1. What are the advantages of LED bulbs as compared to normal electric bulbs?
LED bulbs are up to 80-85% more energy efficient and last 3-5 times longer than normal electric bulbs. They also uplift the aesthetic quotient of the space.
Q2. Are LED bulbs safe for the environment?
LED bulbs do not contain any mercury. Some bulbs may contain only a negligible amount of chemicals. Hence, they are safe for the environment.
Q3. Do LED bulbs emit UV radiation?
LED bulbs have the lowest infrared and ultraviolet radiation as compared to traditional bulbs.
Q4. Can all types of lighting be replaced by LED bulbs?
LED bulbs can replace most lighting fixtures. The choice depends on your personal preferences and the type of lighting that is suitable for a particular space.
Q5. Do LED bulbs need to be disposed of in a specific way?
You can dispose of LED bulbs in your regular trash. However, it is advisable to recycle them responsibly through recycling programmes in your locality.
Q6. Can LED bulbs be used with dimmer switches?
Yes. Make sure to pair the right LED bulb with the dimmer switch. The lighting professional may be able to advise you on the compatibility.