The days of the Edison light bulb are coming to a close. With environmental preservation and energy efficiency at the forefront of social consciousness, past technologies are being eclipsed. In the residential general contracting world, this is more evident than ever. Every aspect from the products used to building methods employed are getting a facelift to align with the importance of resource preservation and sustainability. LEDs (light emitting diodes) are one of the most popular assets being used by electrical trades now which reflect the former shift in mentality.
There is no question about the superiority of LEDs in comparison to regular incandescent light bulbs that have been used for decades. The singular positive factor of standard light bulbs being initially less expensive than their LED counterparts is a moot point. In the long run, the energy efficiency and saved electricity costs of a LED completely wipe out any savings that were initially made by purchasing a standard bulb. LEDs operate on much less wattage while producing the same amount of “brightness” as an incandescent. The "brightness" of a light source is judged by a unit of measurement called lumens. Just to give an example, a 60W standard bulb produces the same number of lumens as an LED that uses 10W. With that being said, usually LEDs have a transformer built in which is necessary for their use of lower wattage. Yet sometimes it will be necessary to have your licensed electrician use an external transformer to bring your home's standard 120V output down to the usable level defined by the particular LED.
The versatility and longevity of LEDs are another trait of their superiority. In terms of their use, LEDs are great for any type of lighting need whether it be producing ambient, task, accent, or decorative light. Their more compact wiring and technology allow for them to be produced in a multitude of physical forms, from the familiar “light bulb” shape to a thin strip of diodes that can be easily concealed for creative accents in modern architectural aesthetics. Their operative lifespan of over a decade means that their concealment will not be a limiting factor as they require extremely minimal maintenance. Also, since heat is not the primary source of how LEDs release energy, as it is with incandescents, their options for placement are unlimited. Their effect on surrounding surfaces and room temperature is practically nonexistent.
Smart home technology is actively being employed in almost all new residential construction. The ability to control all aspects of your home remotely by a smartphone is a convenience that many homeowners now cannot live without. Since LEDs are semiconductors, they can be easily integrated into a smart home network. Functions such as voice command and real time control from any location adds to their importance for home security and energy retention.
Based on all the positive characteristics of LEDs there is every reason to use them in your home immediately or transition to them when you undergo a home renovation/remodel project. Their unrivaled versatility and ability to greatly reduce energy cost makes them a no brainer when upgrading your home to modern green technology.
Michael Ressa : Feb 20, 2023 9:00:00 AM
