subject: Led Light Bulbs Are The Future Of Lighting Technology [print this page] Because of their extensive acceptance and use, the most common source of home and commercial lighting will be LED light bulbs. Although LED light bulbs may have a high initial installation cost, the energy efficiency and overall benefits of LED lighting systems have created a huge demand for more LED lights. The advancements in LED technology have developed products powerful and affordable enough for day-to-day use and are anticipated to eventually replace other forms of illumination altogether.
LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting products have a number of advantages over old fashioned incandescent illumination and the biggest one is their ability to convert small amounts of electrical energy into relatively large amounts of light. For example, a 7 watt LED can effectively replace a typical 60 watt incandescent. In most cases, the savings in electricity costs can more than offset the initial expense of installation.
On average, the LED only uses about ten to twenty percent of the energy it takes an incandescent bulb to produce the same amount of light. This makes them ideal for use in alternate or renewable energy applications like solar and wind power programs. They are also extremely effective in battery operated equipment where efficient energy usage can be critical.
LED light bulbs are also more durable and longer lasting. They are also much less susceptible to shock and vibration, as well as temperature changes that can promptly destroy delicate filament bulbs.
The long life of these LED light bulbs can reduce the time, effort and long term cost of replacements. The high reliability factor can even increase safety and security, particularly in areas where difficult access can be a problem, like traffic signals. An incandescent bulb would have to be changed several times during the lifespan of one LED.
LED light bulbs also have similar advantages over the now popular compact fluorescent light bulbs, known as a CFL. In addition to being slightly more energy efficient, LED light bulbs are not affected by frequent on and off switching and do not contain harmful elements like mercury. LED light bulbs also do not require time to warm up and immediately reach their full brightness in the coldest of weather.
Incandescent and fluorescent bulbs also tend to be larger in size and very fragile. The size difference enables the small LED to be used in a larger range of locations. They are also housed in a plastic casing rather than glass. This gives them additional benefits where durability and safety issues are concerned.
Since the LED light bulbs also produce no heat, it can be applied in areas where traditional lighting systems would be impossible to use. This characteristic also makes it an ideal substitute in many decorative applications where heat could damage nearby materials.
In fact, LED light bulbs have virtually none of the disadvantages associated with common lighting systems. With all the benefits they have to offer, the most common source of light in the future will undoubtedly be the LED. LEDs can be used in numerous applications, so expect to find them in a number of products.