How Do LED Lights Work And Why They’re The Best
There’s a lot of buzz around LED lights, and for good reason. They’re energy-efficient, long-lasting, and emit very little heat. This is why they’re one of the 2020 outdoor lighting trends that keep on trending.
But how do they work? And why are they the best choice for homeowners? In this blog post, we’ll answer those questions and more.
So read on to learn what you need to know about LED lights!
How LED Lights Work And What They Are
LED stands for “light-emitting diode.” Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs, which use a filament that must be heated to produce light, LEDs create light using semiconductor materials that emit light when an electric current is passed through them. This means that LEDs are much more efficient than incandescent bulbs as they use less electricity and last much longer. In fact, an LED bulb can last up to 25 times longer than an incandescent bulb!
Even though they work differently, they can still flicker as other bulbs do. You can find out why LEDs flicker with advice on what to do.
What Is A Light Emitting Diode?
A diode is a semiconductor, which is a material that can conduct electricity.
Diodes are made of two semiconductor materials, one of which is slightly more electrically conductive than the other. When electricity is applied to the less conductive side of the diode, it creates an “electron hole” on that side. The electron hole allows electrons to flow from the more conductive side to the less conductive side, creating an electric current.
How Do Light Emitting Diodes Create Light?
Light emitting diodes are special kinds of diodes that are designed to emit light when voltage is applied. The semiconductor material used in an LED is usually made of a compound of gallium and arsenic. When electrons flow through this material, they combine with holes in the crystal structure of the semiconductor. As the electrons and holes combine, they release energy in the form of photons (particles of light.)
The color of the visible light emitted by a light emitting diode depends on the energy of the photons released. Red LEDs release lower-energy photons than blue or green LEDs.
7 Reasons Why LED Light Bulbs Are Better Than Other Bulbs
1. Long lifespan
One of the biggest benefits of LED lights is that they have a much longer lifespan than traditional light bulbs. LED lights can last for up to 50,000 hours, which is 50 times longer than incandescent bulbs and 8 times longer than fluorescent bulbs. This means that you won’t have to replace your LED lights as often, which can save you time and money in the long run.
*Find out the 3 main reasons LEDs are better than incandescents
2. Energy efficiency
Another big benefit of LED lighting is that they are much more energy efficient than traditional light bulbs. LED lights use about 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and about 50% less energy than fluorescent bulbs, without less light output. This means that you can save money on your energy bill each month by switching to LED lights.
3. Durability
LED lights are also much more durable than traditional light bulbs. They are not susceptible to breakage like glass bulbs, and they can withstand being turned on and off frequently without reducing their lifespan. This makes them ideal for use in areas where lightbulbs are frequently turned on and off, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
4. Instant Light
Another great benefit of LED lights is that the light source turns on instantly when switched, unlike incandescent or fluorescent bulbs which take a few seconds to reach full brightness. This is especially beneficial in areas where you need a quick burst of light, such as when opening a fridge or checking under the hood of a car.
5. Cool to the touch
LED lights stay cool to the touch even when they are turned on, unlike incandescent bulbs which get very hot when in use. This makes them safer to use around children and pets. It also reduces the risk of fire in the event that a bulb comes into contact with flammable materials.
6. Versatile design
LED lights are available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them suitable for use in a variety of applications. They can be used indoors or outdoors, in commercial or residential settings, and for task or ambient lighting.
7. Environmentally-friendly
LED lights are environmentally friendly because they do not contain mercury or other harmful toxins like some traditional lightbulbs do. They also do not produce UV rays or infrared radiation, making them safer for use around people and animals.
LED Light Bulbs vs. CFL Light Bulbs And Incandescent Light Bulbs
LED Bulbs
LED light bulbs are the most energy-efficient option on the market. They use about 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last up to 25 times longer. LEDs also emit very little heat, making them safer to use around your home. One downside of LEDs is that they can be more expensive than other bulbs. But they’ll save you money in the long run because you won’t have to replace them as often.
You also measure their brightness in terms of lumens (actual light) instead of wattage (energy usage.) Find out the proper lumens needed for landscape lighting.
CFL Bulbs
CFL light bulbs (compact fluorescent lamps) are also more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs. But they don’t last as long as LEDs. CFLs use about 25% less energy than incandescents and last about 10 times longer. Like LEDs, CFLs also emit very little heat. The main downside of CFLs is that they contain mercury, which can harm the environment if the bulbs are not disposed of properly.
Incandescent Bulbs
Incandescent light bulbs are the least energy-efficient option on the market. They let out about 95% of their energy as heat instead of light. However, they’re also the cheapest option upfront. Just keep in mind that you’ll spend more money in the long run because you’ll have to replace incandescent lights more often than LEDs or CFLs.
What Are LED Light Bulbs Best For What Areas?
For general-purpose lighting applications like living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens, look for LED bulbs with a warm white color temperature (2,700-3,000K). These bulbs will provide a soft, inviting light perfect for relaxing or spending time with family and friends.
For task lighting applications like work areas, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, look for LED bulbs with a cool white color temperature (4,000K). These bulbs will provide a bright, focused light that’s perfect for completing tasks quickly and efficiently.
For accent lighting applications like wall sconces, track lights, and recessed lights, look for small LED bulbs with a bright white color temperature (5000K). These bulbs will provide a concentrated light that’s perfect for highlighting architectural features or works of art.
LEDs can also be used in traffic lights, computer displays, signs, and almost any form of electric light.
Does An LED Light Bulb Fit In Regular Light Fixtures?
Yes, in most cases, an LED light bulb will fit your fixtures at home.
The easiest way to know if an LED bulb will fit in your fixture is to look at the old bulb that’s currently in there. There’s a series of letters and numbers on the side that tell you the size and shape of the bulb.
The first letter (in this case, “A” or “P”) tells you the shape of the bulb, and the number (19 or 20) tells you the diameter of the bulb in eighths of an inch. So an A19 bulb has a diameter of 19/8 inches (2.375 inches), while a PAR20 bulb has a diameter of 20/8 inches (2.5 inches).
As long as your new LED bulb has the same size and shape as your old bulb, it will fit in your fixture.
How Long Will An LED Light Work?
On average, an LED light bulb will last for about 30,000-50,000 hours if left on continuously. LED light bulbs are designed to last for years, often upwards of 10 years or more. In fact, many manufacturers offer warranties of up to 10 years.
However, the actual lifespan of an LED light bulb depends on a number of factors. These include the quality of the bulb, how often the bulb is used, and the temperature of the room where it is being used.
Do LED Bulbs Get Hot?
LEDs do not generate heat in the same way that traditional incandescent bulbs do.
When an incandescent bulb is turned on, the filament inside the bulb begins to heat up due to resistance. This process will produce heat to the point that most incandescent bulbs need a glass envelope around them to prevent the heat from melting the plastic parts of the bulb.
LEDs, on the other hand, generate very little heat. In fact, they actually dissipate most of it out through the base of the bulb. That’s why you’ll often see LED bulbs that are encased in metal. The metal helps to dissipate the heat even further and prevents the bulb from getting too hot.
What Color Are LED Bulbs?
When it comes to LEDs that produce white light, LED light bulb color ranges between a cool white and a warm yellow. Now, you can also get them in almost any color, such as purple, green, high-brightness blue LEDs, and so on.
Why Did Someone Invent LED Light Bulbs?
People were looking to create light bulbs that had fewer disadvantages. The LED light bulb is that solution.
One of the main reasons why LED light bulbs are so popular is because they’re much more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs.
LEDs also produce very little heat, which makes them safer to use than incandescent. Since they don’t contain any toxic materials like mercury, they’re also much better for the environment.
Are You Ready To Go LED? Contact Premier Ponds And Lighting Today!
LED lighting is the now and the future of pond and landscape illumination. Not only does it provide a natural look to your property, but it also saves you money in the long run.
Ready to make the switch? Contact Premier Ponds and Lighting today! We would be happy to help you choose the perfect LED lights for your needs and install them quickly and professionally.