By now, you’ve probably heard that LEDs are the best option for lighting your home. But did you know LEDs are also used in stoplights, vehicle lights and a variety of electronics? Finding LED bulbs that fit your needs can be tricky as a first-time buyer. Here’s some information to help get you started.
1. LEDs are the most efficient type of lightbulb.
Unlike incandescent bulbs, which release 90% of their energy as heat, LEDs use energy far more efficiently with little wasted heat. Every time you flip a switch, you’re getting your money’s worth.
2. According to ENERGY STAR® , the typical LED lifespan is at least 35,000 hours.
Think of it this way: If an LED bulb is installed in a newborn baby’s room today, that bulb would work until they enter high school. It could even last until their first day of college!
3. Watts don’t tell you much about an LED’s brightness – lumens do.
In the past, the most common way people figured out the type of lightbulb they needed by looking at the wattage, which is a unit of power. The higher the wattage, the brighter the bulb.
For LEDs, the number of lumens measures brightness. The higher the lumens, the brighter the bulb. Look for the lumen count on the box when shopping for new lighting. Check out our previous blog post for more information on LED lumens and wattage.
4. LEDs have a variety of color temperatures.
Color temperature measures the warmth or coolness of a light source. The higher the temperature in Kelvins (K), the bluer the light. Lower K temperatures typically have a yellow appearance. LEDs with a lower color temperature can create a cozy and calming living room or bedroom space, while those with a higher color temperature are very bright and great for a kitchen or workspace.
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As a seasoned expert in the field of lighting technology and energy efficiency, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the concepts surrounding LED lighting. Having delved into the intricacies of LED technology, I can confidently guide you through the key aspects highlighted in the provided article.
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Efficiency of LEDs: The article rightly emphasizes that LEDs are the most efficient type of lightbulb. Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs that waste a significant portion of energy as heat, LEDs utilize energy much more efficiently. This efficiency translates to a higher value for your money, making LEDs a cost-effective and environmentally friendly lighting choice.
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LED Lifespan: According to ENERGY STAR®, the article mentions that the typical LED lifespan is at least 35,000 hours. This impressive longevity far surpasses that of incandescent bulbs. The article cleverly frames this information by illustrating that if you were to install an LED bulb in a newborn's room, it could last until they enter high school or even their first day of college. This longevity aspect underscores the durability and reliability of LED lighting.
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Lumens vs. Watts: The article dispels the common misconception associated with wattage by highlighting that for LEDs, lumens are the key metric for measuring brightness. While watts indicate power consumption, lumens indicate the actual brightness of the light emitted. This is a crucial shift in understanding for consumers, emphasizing the need to look for the lumen count when shopping for new lighting. It reflects an informed approach to selecting LEDs based on desired brightness levels.
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Color Temperature: The concept of color temperature is introduced, explaining that it measures the warmth or coolness of a light source in Kelvins (K). The article skillfully connects color temperature to the visual appearance of light, noting that higher Kelvins result in a bluer light, while lower Kelvins produce a warmer, yellow appearance. This information is crucial for consumers looking to create specific atmospheres in different living spaces, such as a cozy bedroom or a well-lit kitchen.
In conclusion, the information provided in the article aligns with the latest advancements and considerations in LED lighting technology. It serves as a comprehensive guide for first-time buyers, offering insights into efficiency, lifespan, brightness measurement, and the importance of color temperature in choosing the right LED bulbs for various settings.
