The Benefits of the LED Light Bulb
The LED light bulb is extremely energy efficient. However, for a long period of time, the cost of manufacturing this type of lighting product has been high. Due to this limitation, usage of the LED light bulb has been restricted to electronic displays and instrument panels.
However in recent years, researchers at a university in the U.S.A. have created a method that would replace the sapphire stones, used in the production process, with cheaper silicon wafers.
With this barrier to more widespread use now supposedly removed, we can look at the real benefits to using this type of lighting.
• Much More Efficiency
Compared to incandescent or CFL (fluorescent) light bubs, the LED bulb is far more efficient. It uses one-third the electricity of the incandescent bulb and one-thirtieth that of CFL or fluorescent lighting.
Using an LED light in a torch or flashlight as opposed to an incandescent bulb, can extend the battery life up to fifteen times over.
• No Harmful Toxins
Unlike in the fluorescent bulb manufacturing process, there is no mercury used in producing LED bulbs. This is especially important with LED manufacturers augmenting their marketing towards consumer and retail-oriented markets.
• Highly Cost Effective
The LED light bulb was very expensive when it first came on the market. Therefore its usage was mainly in commercial buildings, where the maintenance and replacement costs could be recouped over longer periods of time.
In recent years, the cost has gone down, considerably. Also, it seems likely that the cost will continue to decrease over the next few years. More and more, LED light bulbs are being designed for use in the home.
Concerns over their limitation to certain areas of the home, such as under-cabinet and recessed lighting have been addressed. There are now LED lights that are fitted with a diffuser, which allows the naturally one-directional beam to spread out – much in the way that incandescent bulbs do.
• Robust and Sturdy
LED light bulbs are not fitted with filaments. When a regular incandescent bulb is shaken or even moved, the filament is at risk of breaking apart. Bumping or jiggling an LED light bulb around a bit will not incur the same type of damage.
This makes the LED light bulb a great fit for areas in the home where
accidents are frequent and likely to occur.
• Longer Lasting
LED bulbs can last up to ten times as long as compact fluorescents. Also, they usually outlast any ordinary incandescent bulbs.
• Cool to the Touch
LED light bulbs do not generate a lot of heat during usage. An incandescent bulb will build up almost thirty times the amount of heat that an LED light will produce in the same period of time.
The low amount of heat generated by the LED light bulb makes it a perfect choice for climates that are hotter. This benefit can definitely result in much lower air-conditioning costs.
The benefits listed above are great reasons to start replacing incandescent or fluorescent lighting with LED light bulbs. Their versatility and low energy costs make them an ideal choice for both environmentally concerned individuals, as well as those looking to save on long term energy bills.