LEDs are transforming the nature of lighting
By Lisa Duncan
According to Philips, a world leader in lighting, LED lighting is arguably the most profound change the lighting industry has witnessed since the invention of electric light itself. Here are a few things you need to know about LEDs:
LEDs provide added intelligence.
Short for light-emitting diode, LED lights are tiny light bulbs that fit easily into an electrical circuit. But unlike ordinary incandescent bulbs, they don’t have a filament that will burn out, and they don’t get especially hot. LEDs are like computer chips. Used in lighting solutions, they can be pre-programmed, or changed at the touch of a button.
Hot because they’re not.
LEDs run cool and are energy effi cient, offering a tremendous savings. An incandescent or compact fluorescent (CFL) bulb inside of a recessed can will waste about half of the light that it produces, while a recessed down light with LEDs only produces light where it’s needed — in the room below. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that rapid adoption of LED lighting in the U.S. over the next 20 years can save about $265 billion. In addition, LED lights are predicted to reduce lighting electricity demands by 33 percent in 2027 and avoid the need for 40 new power plants.
LEDs last longer and require less frequent replacement.
Thanks to their extremely long life, LED lights are perfect for hard-to-reach places like two-story entries. Some bulbs can last up to 20,000 hours.
They come in a variety of colors.
LEDs offer millions of color variations and dynamic effects, which enable designers to paint with light, matching it with the moods of people, or to the ambience of a space.
Don’t confuse LED bulbs with LED fixtures.
LED bulbs take the place of incandescent bulbs. LED fixtures have the lamp built into them. Philips has introduced some wonderful new LED lamps and fixtures that are affordable, sleek and small. The only drawback is that the lamps in some LED fixtures can’t be replaced once they burn out – but keep in mind that might not be for 20 years!
LEDs produce no UV/IR radiation.
LED lights can be close to sensitive objects or fabrics, such as a lamp shade, wallpaper, draperies or artworkwithout damage or fading.
Choose ENERGY STAR qualified LED fixtures to ensure the products you purchase perform well.
ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, helping to save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. The ENERGY STAR is awarded to select fixture types that meet strict efficiency, quality, and lifetime criteria.
LEDs are transforming the nature of lighting by opening up new possibilities for how and where artificial light is used to enhance the human experience. In addition, they are affordable and offer tremendous energy savings.
Reach Lisa Sanford Duncan, interior designer, at sd12shine@sbcglobal.net. Lisa shares other lighting ideas at HomeSenseKC on Facebook.
