LED is an acronym that means Light Emitting Diode. LED bulbs are more energy efficient that incandescent bulbs and last a long time. LED bulbs do not require time to warm up. While the initial cost of a LED bulb is initially higher, the bulb pays for itself through reducing an electric bill and durability. LED bulbs provide directional light, in many cases several LED’s are used to cast light. LED’s emit light in a very narrow wavelength. LED bulbs are compact, allowing for housing flexibility and better control of white light distribution. LED bulbs are affected by heat and are often equipped with a heat distribution feature.
No Need To Know About Wattage
Light is measured through lumens rather than watts in LED bulbs. Wattage is not a measure of light emitted, rather the amount of energy required for a light to burn. A LED bulb with the brightness of an incandescent sixty watt bulb only uses eight to twelve watts. A lumen is the true measurement of how bright a light will be. In other words a lumen is the true measure of how much light a LED bulb will provide. For example, one lumen is equal to a candela. A candela is a very precise measurement of light provided. Since wattage is the measure of energy used and LED lights are designed to save energy, wattage as a measurement is not useful.
Decide on Color
Incandescent bulbs emit a yellowish hue, while LED bulbs are available in a range of colors. Set the mood in any room with a colorful LED bulb. Popular colors for the home are usually a soft-white, warm or bright white light. Warm white replicates the yellowish tinge of incandescent bulbs. While bright or warm lights will produce a very white light, similar to the sun. Otherwise, LED bulbs are available in a rainbow of hues. When deciding how bright or how “warm” a color is, this is measured in kelvins. The lower the number, the warmer or more yellow the hue.
Dimmable Replacement Bulbs
Most lights with dimmer switches were manufactured with incandescent bulbs in mind. Either the switch will need to be replaced or the purchase of a whole new lamp with a dimmer switch is necessary. The reason is there is no connection between the amount of electricity and the amount of light provided by the LED bulb. LED bulbs may be specifically designed to dim. Check with the manufacturer’s label to find the type of dimming switch that is compatible for a LED bulb. This information is usually widely available through the internet.
Know Lighting Needs
No money or time is wasted when lighting needs are known. LED bulbs run cooler. Assure the long life of the bulb by making sure there is plenty of space to dissipate heat eventually generated by the bulb. Replace higher energy incandescent bulbs overtime. Even though the initial expenditure for LED bulbs is higher, the energy savings will soon become apparent. Don’t forget to place LED bulbs in outdoor security lights. If the bulb housing is recessed, shop for LED bulbs that are manufactured for an enclosure.
LED bulbs are more of an investment over time when replacing incandescent bulbs. The cost will be higher but savings will be reaped and beneficial to the consumer over time. Up to eighty percent of energy is saved with the placement or replacement of LED bulbs, while producing the same amount of light. LED bulbs generally last five times longer than an incandescent bulb. An LED has no filament or moving parts which contributes to their longevity and extremely low maintenance. There are four basic LED bulb shapes. Flood, spotlight, candle, and A-line. Floodlights are for outdoor use to light a patio, walkway, or porch. Spotlights are great for security, track lighting, and overhead recessed lighting. Candle lights emulate the shape of a flame and are for wall sconces and decorative fixtures. A-line lights disperse light at a wide angle and light rooms, reading lamps, and hallways. Maximize brightness through knowing the range of brightness provided with lumens. Lastly, choose the color of light suited to your lighting needs.
This article contributed by Evie Coles on behalf of led-shop.com.au.
