LED lighting (Light Emitting Diode) has become an increasingly popular choice for home and commercial lighting solutions. LEDs are cost-effective, long-lasting, and energy-efficient compared to traditional light sources.
Here are the 10 most interesting facts about LED lighting, including when they were invented, their many benefits, and how they are best used today in any property.
One of the most important LED lighting facts is that it was first invented over 50 years ago by a scientist named Nick Holonyak Jr. While working at General Electric in 1962, Holonyak discovered the first visible LED light and has been credited for the invention of LED lighting ever since.
The energy efficiency of LED lighting is one of its most attractive qualities. LEDs consume up to 90% less energy than traditional lighting sources such as incandescent bulbs and LED bulbs last around 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs, meaning that they require fewer replacements over time.
With LED lighting, there is less wastage of energy, less money spent on utility bills and less money spent on replacements.
This increased efficiency is measured as efficacy in the unit of lumens per watt, ie how much light is created per watt of energy consumed.
LED lighting is also one of the safest lighting options. LEDs do not contain mercury like some other light sources, eliminating the potential for hazardous waste disposal. Additionally, because LED bulbs generate very little heat, they are not as likely to cause fires as other light sources.
LED lighting is extremely versatile and can be used in a variety of applications. Because of their small size and low power consumption, they can be used in ways that were once impossible in both residential and commercial settings. They can also be integrated into existing lighting systems, such as street lights, and are well-suited for motion-activated lighting.
LED’s versatility alongside all the other benefits means the lamp industry is still growing and projects to be worth $160 billion to the US market by 2026.
LEDs come to full brightness immediately with no warm-up delay, a major benefit compared to the slower starting fluorescent and metal halide light sources.
LEDs come in a wide variety of colors and color temperatures (shades of white) so they can be used to create different moods or environments in any space. LEDs are commonly available in shades of white light that are most popular for use in interior and exterior applications, giving owners the flexibility to choose the perfect lighting.
One of the important LED lighting facts is that they are highly durable and long-lasting compared to other light sources. LEDs have no fragile filaments and are built with rugged construction, making them resistant to shock and vibration. Additionally, they can last up to 50,000 hours, which is up to 10 times longer than other light sources.
Frequent cycling of power, ie switching on and off, does not reduce life expectancy as much as other sources with fluorescent lighting.
What is more unique is the amount of light created from LED diminshes slowly over time, fading and becoming dimmer rather than just stopping due to failure.
The initial cost of LED lighting is higher than other lighting solutions, such as incandescent bulbs. However, over time, LED lighting becomes much more cost-effective because of its long lifespan and low energy consumption. When factoring in all costs associated with a lighting solution, such as energy, maintenance, and replacement costs, LEDs are often the most cost-effective option.
LED lighting is more environmentally friendly as they do not contain toxic substances, such as mercury, making them a safe and eco-friendly choice as they are easier to recycle than other lighting sources, such as fluorescent. Another benefit is that it creates less ultraviolet (UV) or infrared (IR) radiation than other lighting sources which means that LED is safer and kinder to the environment and people.
LED lighting is also very easy to use and can be integrated into a variety of spaces as it has a small form factor. LED as a light source is available in a range of shapes, sizes, and intensities, giving homeowners and business owners the flexibility to choose the perfect lighting solution for any application.
LED lighting products come in many forms, from recessed lights and track lighting to dimmable lightbulbs and waterproof fixtures for outdoor use. LED lighting also creates a more vibrant and inviting atmosphere, as bulbs come in a wide range of colors and temperatures.
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