Should You Upgrade to LEDs?

Light-emitting diode (LED) lights—lighting produced by an electrical current through a microchip—have several advantages over incandescent lighting products that should compel homeowners to upgrade to this form of lighting. That said, given that LED lighting benefits are economical, environmental, and medical in nature, businesses have equal incentive to move away from incandescent and compact fluorescent (CFL) light sources. Some of the pros of an upgrade to LEDs are discussed below.

LEDs are Energy Efficienct

Compared to other illumination sources, which emit light in all directions, LEDs emit light in a particular direction. This directional nature in design translates into a significant increase in efficiency when choosing LED lighting over traditional light sources. The United States Department of Energy noted: “LED is a highly energy efficient lighting technology, and has the potential to fundamentally change the future of lighting in the United States. Residential LEDs—especially ENERGY STAR rated products—use at least 75% less energy, and last 25 times longer, than incandescent lighting.”

Extended Life

Simply put, LED lights last longer. Unlike other bulbs, which burn out and quit, LEDs will demonstrate a decrease in output level over a very long time, slowly and eventually becoming less bright. A homeowner or business could potentially leave on an LED light source for 24 hours a day for 11 years straight before needing to replace the bulb. If you were to leave the LED light on for 8 hours a day every day of the week, it would still last for 20 years (https://www.ledluxor.com).

LEDs are Eco-friendly in Nature

LED lighting is 100% recyclable and non-toxic, whereas traditional lighting—especially fluorescent lights—contain mercury, which is an environmental hazard requiring special handling upon disposal. The extended life span touched on above benefits the environment as much as it does consumers’ pocketbooks and businesses’ bottom lines: As many as 25 incandescent bulbs will need to be produced to meet the output that just one LED bulb can generate, which leaves a considerably larger footprint on our environment.

LEDs Have Health Benefits

Although we are still learning about the positive health impact of LEDs, there is an obvious connection between light and your circadian rhythm (or “body clock”). LED bulbs emit light precisely, allowing for an adjustable lighting control system that produces optimal light levels throughout the day. Certain levels may stimulate hormones required for active focus during daylight hours, while other levels can stimulate the hormones that induce sleep. Routine, uninterrupted sleep is generally essential for human health, but especially as it pertains to mental health issues, such as depression and mood disorders.

Design Flexibility

The device in LED bulbs is comparatively small, making LEDs highly adaptive to numerous applications, such as standard lamp bulbs, spotlights, traffic lights, circuit board lights, stadium lights, automotive lights, and the intricate lighting for art installations. And due to the durability of LEDs, these lights can withstand extreme weather conditions, making them an obvious choice for outdoor lighting.

Consider an Upgrade to LEDs

Whether you are a homeowner, landlord, or business owner who is currently using conventional lighting, considering an upgrade to LED lights is a no-brainer. Although the initial cost of LED bulbs or the installation of a more comprehensive LED lighting system may be higher than traditional lighting, the efficiency and lifespan of LED lights clearly equates to an economic advantage over other light sources. These savings increase when you consider the lower ongoing utility costs for LED lights and, when installing a light system, you choose certain fixture features, such as quick connect wiring plugs and sealed housings, which allow for quick and easy installation and maintenance.

If you’re in Clark County, contact Las Vegas electricians Fowler Electric to discuss your new LED lighting system or an upgrade to LEDs.