LED lamps are a longtime fixture in our daily lives. However, this technology’s characteristics are not well known. What are the qualities and possible defects of LED lighting? Our experts weigh in.
What is LED Light?
As the name suggests, this technology works by electroluminescence. It first came about by the invention of light-emitting diodes. An opto-electrical device emits light when an electric current flows through it. Advances in semiconductor technology in the 90s then allowed for the creation of blue LEDs. This seminal advance was the basis for the design of LED lighting devices.
How Long do LED Lights Last?
Technically, LEDs have extremely long lifetimes. It is usually the components of the luminaire, such as the power supply, that break down first. LEDs generally last from 10,000 to 50,000 hours depending on the conditions of use: temperature, frequency of use, and so on.
Like other lighting technologies, however, LEDs lose brightness during their useful life. Several manufacturers therefore mandate external firms to quantify this loss of light over time in order to better guide customers.
Are LED Lights Economical?
Previously much more expensive to produce than a traditional light fixture, LEDs have become especially economical in the past several years.
Two factors combine to explain the competitiveness of this technology. Production prices have come down greatly, and LED lighting is very efficient. For example, a traditional recessed light with a 60W bulb can now be replaced by a 7W LED light.
In addition to lower power consumption, which makes LED lights more economical to use, they also have the advantage of being very durable, and they do not require the purchase of bulbs.
Are LED Bulbs Environmentally Friendly?
The question of whether LED bulbs are environmentally friendly is a complex one. Because LED lamps consume less energy and have a longer life span, they have a strong case to make. However, LED bulbs are energy-intensive to produce and use limited resources, such as rare earths, which are in short supply on our planet. So the answer could be yes and no!
Good to know: interesting progress is being made to create a new generation of lights that require less energy to manufacture. The key to sustainable consumption? Selecting quality products with environmentally friendly production methods.
Are LED Lights More Energy Efficient?
In terms of consumption, LED lighting is currently the most efficient technology on the market. How to evaluate their energy efficiency? Energy efficiency is calculated in lumens per watt. This data is comparable to litres per 100 kilometres for gas-powered cars.
An incandescent bulb generally reaches 15 lumens per watt while an LED bulb reaches about 70 to 80 lumens per watt. An LED bulb thus generates four to five times more light intensity per watt than an incandescent bulb.
What Are the Energy Savings of LED Lights vs. Fluorescent Lights?
Fluorescent lighting is a technology that dates back to the 1940s and was perfected in the 1970s. At the time, this technology was innovative and contributed greatly to reducing energy consumption.
LED lamps are the evolution of this technology. They are at least twice as efficient as fluorescent lighting and have a much longer life and higher efficiency.
What Are the Energy Savings of LED Lights vs. Halogen Lights?
Halogen lights technology consists of an incandescent lamp with a tube of halogen gas allowing the regeneration of the filament of the lamp, which is much more energy consuming. LED lamps are four to five times more efficient.
Are LED Lamps Versatile?
Because of their small shape, LED lights can be used to create lighting fixtures in several different shapes. They are very versatile in terms of design.
Thanks to lighting retrofits – a term used when converting older lighting – it is finally easy to convert “traditional” fixtures, for example by changing fluorescent lighting to LED lighting.
Are LED Lamps Bad For Your Eyes?
The blue light generated by LEDs is currently under debate. More and more studies conclude that prolonged exposure to blue light could be harmful in the long term. However, several precautions can be taken to reduce the risk. One recommendation is to reduce light pollution by using efficient lamps and respecting the minimum lighting levels to meet IES’s Recommended Lighting Levels. It is also recommended to use LEDs with warmer Kelvin colour temperature, which help reduces blue light.
A lighting control system such as a dimmer switch or an absence detector is also a good way to reduce lighting intensity and increase the lamp’s life.
Do LED Lamps Produce Heat?
Compared to other traditional light sources, LED lamps produce very little heat. This is one of the reasons for their efficiency. However, it is important to note that they are sensitive to temperature extremes, like all electronic equipment. It is therefore important to choose a quality light fixture to mitigate the heat.
Are All LED Lamps Dimmable?
Most LED lights are dimmable. The type of dimming is determined by the power supply of the lamp. The two main technologies are phase dimming and 0 to 10V.
Has this article enlightened you on the properties of LED lamps? Guillevin offers a wide range of LED lights. If you’re looking for advice on how to make your choice, contact our experts! We’re happy to help you find your ideal solution.