Why Should You Start Using LED Lights?
It’s been said over and over again…
“LEDs are the lights of the future”
Why?
Well, apart from being extremely efficient, these lights fixtures are also quite eco-friendly.
Which is why a lot of people, nowadays, are using LED lights.
Now, if you haven’t made the switch to LED lighting, it’s probably because you have doubts or questions about this light technology.
And don’t worry. You are not alone.
Now:
In this post, we’ll look at 25 of the biggest reasons why using LED lights is getting popular.
By the end of this post, you’ll have known why:
- Switching to LED lights is a smart move.
- LED lights are great investments.
So, if you’ve been having doubts and questions about LEDs, you’re in the right place.
Here are 25 reasons why using LED lights is a smart move…
25 Credible Reasons Why You Should Switch to LED Lights
1. LED are Impressively Durable
Do you know..?
That some LED lights can last up to 20 years without breaking down.
Yes, you read that right!
LED fixtures are well-known for their durability.
On average, an LED light lasts for ~ 50,000 hours.
That’s 50 times longer than incandescent bulbs and four times longer than the best Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs).
Amazing, right?
This means that, with LED lights, it will be years before you have to look for a replacement or change a highly-placed light fixture.
2. Less Risk of Damage/Breakage
Another impressive benefit of using LED lights is that you don’t have to worry about breakage and damages.
Why?
Well, unlike incandescent bulbs and fluorescent tubes, most LED fixtures are made of high-quality, eco-friendly plastics.
That means that even if you accidentally drop your fixture, you’ll still be able to use it for years to come.
Also, due to their durability, contact with LED lights is often minimal. Hence, reducing the chances of damages occurring.
3. LEDs are Mercury-Free
One of the biggest setbacks of using CFLs, incandescent bulbs, halogens, and fluorescent tubes is the fact that they contain hazardous materials.
And mercury is often the most common of these hazardous materials.
It is not only dangerous for human health but also very bad for the environment.
However, with LED, that’s a worry of the past.
LED fixtures are not only designed to offer the best lighting experience but also contain no mercury – or hazardous materials for that matter.
Which is why LEDs are also referred to as Green Lighting Technology.
4. Instant Turn On/Off.
Don’t you hate it when you have to wait for fluorescent lights to flicker before lighting up?
Well:
If you do, LEDs offer a better alternative for you.
LEDs don’t flicker or delay before turning on/off.
That means that you’ll have instant lighting whenever you need it without any inconveniencing delays and migraine-causing flickers.
Plus, it’s the main reason why LED lights are most preferred for fancy, decorative lighting on the sides of buildings in major cities.
5. More Lights for Less Energy
If you’ve been using incandescent lights, you may have noticed that these fixtures only output 1300 lumens for 100 watts of energy.
Quick Note:
A Watt (W) is a unit of measurement used to measure power consumption. While Lumens (lm) are units for measuring light output
For instance:
A fixture labeled 50lm/W produces 50 Lumens of light for every Watt of energy used.
Now:
While incandescent average at 13lm/W, LED fixtures average at a whopping 100lm/Watt.
That means that you get almost 800% more light with LED fixtures.
Basically, a 100W incandescent bulb produces the same amount of light as a 13W LED fixture.
Or in simpler words, LEDs use 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs to produce the same amount of Light.
6. Most LEDs Support Dimming
Want a specific amount of light? Dimmable LEDs are the answer.
Dimming is yet another major benefit of using LEDs.
Unlike other lighting technologies, it’s quite easy to dim LED fixtures.
However, you should note that not all LEDs support dimming. Therefore, make sure you get the right kind of LED when shopping.
7. LEDs are Great for Kitchens and Refrigeration Rooms
It’s a known fact:
“Fluorescents are bad for produce and perishables”
Why?
Well, these lights often hasten the deterioration of fresh produce and fruits.
And since most of us keep our apples, potatoes, bananas, tomatoes, and other perishables in the kitchen, Fluorescent lighting may cause rapid degradation leading to rot and loss.
And that’s why you’ll find that most refrigerators come fitted with LED lights in them.
LEDs not only offer high-quality and sufficient lighting but also do not affect the state of your fruits, produce and perishables.
That means that you get to save money by lowering your power consumption and chances/rate of food quality degradation.
8. Using LED Lights Saves You Money
Let’s face it:
LEDs save your money in more ways than one…
It’s arguably the biggest benefit of them all.
Now, you may be wondering; how?
Well:
For one, LEDs use up 80% less energy than incandescent lights. That means that, with LEDs, you’ll probably spend 80% less on lighting.
Incredible, isn’t it?
Their durability is also another money-saving benefit. How?
A durable light fixture means that you won’t have to replace it in a long while.
For example:
Within a period of 50,000 hours, you can either buy one energy-efficient LED light or ~ 50 inefficient incandescent bulbs.
Do the math…
And remember:
The more the number of incandescent bulbs you replace with LEDs, the bigger the savings.
9. No UV Emissions
Excessive exposure to UV rays is often unhealthy.
And while we always put the blame on the sun, most traditional lighting systems also emit UV rays e.g. incandescent lights.
Now:
If you have sensitive skin or a fair complexion, you may experience some side effects caused by UV exposure – both from the sun and traditional lighting systems.
Luckily, LEDs do not emit UV rays – or any other rays for that matter.
Therefore you get to enjoy quality lighting with some health benefits too.
10. LEDs are Very Eco-Friendly
You may have heard it a couple times:
That LED lights are green and very environmentally friendly…
Well, you heard right!
But, you are probably wondering; how?
If so, LEDs are eco-friendly in the following ways:
- They don’t contain any toxic materials including mercury and phosphorous.
- LEDs don’t emit UV rays.
- These lighting fixtures have a negligible – or no – carbon footprint.
- LEDs use less energy hence reducing the demand for power leading to lower emissions from power plants.
- Lastly, these lights don’t emit heat.
11. LEDs are Super-Efficient and Heating-Free
LEDs are unique in that they don’t waste energy through heating.
Unlike incandescent and fluorescent lights that waste most of their energy in the form of heat, LEDs use up almost 100% of the energy to produce light.
That’s why LEDs use up less energy to produce more light.
Therefore, they are considered very efficient.
Now, how is that a good thing?
For starters, LEDs mitigate energy wastage.
Also, during hot months, using traditional light fixtures (incandescent bulbs, fluorescents, and halogens) only worsens the situation; not to mention the fact that you may have to spend more money just to keep your home cool and comfortable.
However, that’s an issue you won’t have to think about with LED light fixtures.
Basically:
They don’t often heat up; if they do, there must be a problem with the wiring or the fixture isn’t being used as intended.
12. Good Quality of Light
Consistent, Stable, and Sufficient lighting…
That’s what you get with LED lights.
Incandescent bulbs not only heat up but can also burn out any moment. While fluorescents are bound to give you a migraine due to their incessant flickering.
Light quality is always an important factor to consider.
It often determines how comfortable your space will be. Obviously, if it’s a workspace, then the lighting has to be perfect to increase productivity.
Plus:
The fact that LEDs give out more illumination means that you’ll only need a few to light up a big space.
13. LED Lights are Highly Adjustable (Warm, Cool, and Daylight)
Adjustability is also an important benefit when it comes to lighting. Obviously, you want a light that can be adjusted to suit your need, right?
If so, LEDs are the best for that.
Due to their unique design, LEDs can be calibrated to give out warm, cool and daylight color temperatures of light.
Now:
That way, you not only get to use the best temperature for you but also have an easy time blending the light with your décor.
This is probably the main reason why LEDs have become so popular in show-biz. They are used to provide extravagant color displays.
14. LEDs Have Aesthetically Appealing Designs
Due to the fact that incandescent lights and fluorescents are made of part glass, it’s incredibly hard to model them into numerous designs.
In fact, incandescent lights have a standard bulb-like design. Not to mention the ballast and huge lightbox in fluorescents.
And that poses a lot of limitations on how you can couple your space’s décor with your lighting.
What a bummer, right?
With LED lights, however, the design isn’t a problem.
These fixtures come in numerous designs. And the best part is that some manufacturers support customizations.
That way, you can have a lighting system that fits perfectly into your space’s décor.
What’s more, LED fixtures are quite light and easy to handle.
15. LEDs are Great for Directional Lighting
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are directional.
Which is why these fixtures are always the most preferred in spaces that need directional lighting.
Basically, their diodes’ design allows them to focus beams of light in a specific direction. A fact that makes the use of silver reflectors quite unnecessary.
Therefore, you not only get to enjoy quality, directional lighting but also your light fixtures will easily complement your style and décor.
Plus, the fact that you get directional lighting easily with LEDs means that you won’t waste energy lighting useless spaces.
16. Noiseless Convenience
If you have been using fluorescent lights, then you know that they hum when lit.
Now:
To some that noise may be negligible.
However, it can be distracting for someone trying to concentrate on something e.g. trying to read in a library lit with many fluorescent tube lights.
It can be distracting, don’t you think?
Well, LEDs don’t hum or make any kind of noise.
These fixtures are as silent as still water. And the fact that you get both high-quality light and a silent working space means that you can easily increase your productivity.
17. Multi-Color Support
Multi-color support is yet another unique feature that makes LEDs stand out from other lighting technologies.
Unlike incandescent bulbs and fluorescent tubes that require exterior painting just to achieve a different color, LEDs can be calibrated to do so with ease.
Cool, right?
Basically, LED lights offer millions of different hues of light.
And, we’ve just begun exploring the color spectrum possibilities of LEDs.
There’s no telling how many more colors we’ll be able to get from LED light fixtures.
18. LEDs are Highly Applicable
Highly applicable in that you can use them for just about anything.
Picture this:
With a diode spanning about 1mm wide – and still getting smaller as the technology advances – there are myriads of places where you can use LEDs and tons of application areas.
Basically, the smaller the diodes get, the bigger the potential for new applications.
And why manufacturers are racing to develop the smallest diodes, we certainly have much to look forward to in this throbbing industry.
19. Limitless Design Possibilities
Yes…
Tiny diodes make is super easy for designers and manufacturers to come up with numerous designs, shapes, and sizes of LED fixtures.
The fact that they are so small means that they can fit just about anywhere.
Therefore, creating a massive room for flexible ideas regarding the design, size, and shape of an LED fixture.
Now:
LEDs not only offer high-quality lighting but also due to their light weight, you can have big lighting systems and decorations without having to worry about them dropping.
Which makes them great for suspended lighting fixtures.
20. LEDs are Ideal for Places/People Who Have Limited Access to Electricity
Being energy efficient and all, LEDs are great lighting options for people who are yet to gain access to stable and affordable electricity.
These fixtures don’t use up a lot of energy and, therefore, can work perfectly with solar systems and batteries.
Are you impressed? Well, there is more…
LEDs energy-efficiency also means that you can use them for decorative purposes; such as an LED Wallpaper that changes its appearance automatically or when you want something fresh.
LEDs are also being used in fashion and style nowadays.
Simply Put:
With LEDs, we are not just limited to lighting. No!
You can use this light technology in other industries and still achieve spectacular results.
LEDs have broken the limits of creativity, lighting, and decor as far as lighting is concerned.
21. LEDs are Not Susceptible to Cold Weather
Cold weather is a major problem when it comes to outdoor lighting.
In fact, most traditional lighting systems often fail to turn on when it is too cold. And even if they do, you cannot count on them to perform optimally.
However, it’s the exact opposite with LED lights…
How?
Well, LED light fixtures are cold resistant. And that’s not even the half of it.
As it gets colder, LED devices often perform even better.
It has something to do with their design and illumination process.
But:
As a side-note… This can also be a disadvantage.
Why?
Considering the fact that LEDs don’t generate heat, using them for outdoors means that the fixtures won’t be able to melt off the ice that covers them.
Therefore, you should refrain from using LEDs in an outdoor environment where there is a lot of snow; especially if the light is used to relay important information e.g. a traffic light.
22. Consistency
Most lighting systems often lose light intensity as time goes by.
And when you are using incandescent light bulbs, you’ll never know when to expect it to burn out. They just do it abruptly.
But:
LEDs are the only lighting fixtures that always guarantee consistency.
From the moment you unbox it and fit it into your lighting socket to the day it reaches its lifetime rating (e.g. 50,000 hours), an LED fixture will offer you the same amount of illumination.
Now:
It is true that LEDs also degrade in light intensity. But that’s usually after it achieves its lifespan.
Once a fixture has been used for the specified lifetime period, some of its diodes often start to fail. And with each failure causes a reduction in the amount of light produced by the fixture.
23. LEDs are Mostly Recyclable
Yes, you read that right.
You can recycle LEDs when they completely burn out.
How?
LED light fixtures are manufactured using recyclable materials that are not harmful or toxic in any way.
And that’s why Commercial LED lighting is gaining traction fast.
You should also note that Recycling is cheaper than Disposal.
Which means that you get to save even more money in the process.
Amazing, right?
24. LED Lights Offer Improved Security
You are probably wondering; How?
It’s quite simple, actually.
Most of us often switch off our security lights to cut on costs. And yes, it is a smart move.
But:
It is also unnecessary.
Instead of switching off the lights, you can switch to LED lighting.
Now, LEDs improve your home security in two ways:
- You can leave your outdoor security lights on without having to worry about getting a massive energy bill at the end of the month.
- Or, you can use motion-sensing LED lights that light up instantly when they sense any kind of motion. That way, you’ll be able to see an intruder coming and at the same time reduce your lighting energy bill drastically.
Evidently, with LEDs, it is a win-win outcome whether or not you decide to leave your security lights on.
25. LED Prices Have Come Down Over the Past Few Years
Lastly, LEDs are becoming cheaper by the day.
So, what excuse do you have of not using them?
Unlike in the beginning, when LED lights were new to the market hence expensive, today the supply has increased; and with it, prices have dropped.
The high initial costs were driven by a few factors including:
- The countless benefits of using LED lights.
- Low supply vs. high demand.
- Durability and cost-effectiveness.
- Plus, it was a relatively new technology.
But:
Nowadays, you can get a high-quality, and superior performance LED fixture for less than $10.
Awesome, right?
This means that even large commercial spaces can be upgraded to LED lighting without costing a fortune.
There you have it – 25 good reasons why using LED lights is getting more popular.
Quick LED Lights Shopping Guide
I’m sure you’re impressed and eager to order your LED fixtures. But before you do, here are a few things you should consider for you to get the right kind of fixture for your needs:
- Color Temperature– This is essential because it not only affects the appearance of your space and décor but also the comfortability of your space. Cooler temperatures are bright, but they can also cause eyesight irritation and fatigue.
- Luminous Output– If you have a big space that requires adequate illumination e.g. a warehouse, you might want to look for a fixture that has a higher energy efficiency rating e.g. 130lm/W or 150lm/W. That way, only a few will be needed to fully illuminate your space.
- Durability – Always go for the most durable LEDs. They offer great value for money.
- Support features – You also want a fixture that comes with added features, for example, daylight timing and motion sensors for outdoor lights or dimming for indoor fixtures.
With all that in mind, you have everything you need to find the best LED lights for your space.
Do you have any questions?
We’d love to hear from you. Simply post your question in our comments section and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Also, if you need help finding the right kind of LED fixture for your business, we are here to help. Feel free to contact us.
6 thoughts on “Why Should You Start Using LED Lights?”
I appreciate that you mention that LEDs don’t generate heat. Using them outdoors means that the fixtures won’t be able to melt off the ice that covers them.
Therefore, you should refrain from using LEDs in an outdoor environment where there is a lot of snow, primarily if the light is used to relay important information e.g. a traffic light. A fixture has been used for the specified lifetime period, and some of its diodes often start to fail. And each failure causes a reduction in the amount of light produced by the fixture.
We are glad to receive your comments and suggestions.
I am here to make a reply, LED lamps and lanterns do not produce heat, lamps, and lanterns in the work, are the generation of heat, we will use aluminum housing to reduce the temperature of the lamps and lanterns work, so that the lamps and lanterns will not overheat for a long time to cause damage and do not work, to ensure that the working life is extended.
At the same time in the ambient temperature is too low using LED lights is also a good choice, the general use temperature is minus 20 to 40 degrees Celsius. If lower or more than this range, you need to have higher requirements for materials, lamp beads, power supply, etc.
Traffic lights are not ShineLong's field, we have some influence on plant and animal lighting. We have specialized luminaire designs for special scenarios such as waterproof and corrosion resistant, and ammonia resistant.
L80B10 lifespace of 50,000 Hours (@ Ta = 25°C)
Useful post! I really need this type of article.. this is very useful for me.
Thanks, Malik Lighting, we will keep posting.
how can i see the different colors,shapes and watts
Hi Rebeca,
Thanks for your kind comments.
The color temperature of LEDs for general lighting is generally divided into warm white, daylight white, and cool white, ranging from 3000K to 6000K. LED is not only white, but actually consists of red, green, and blue primary colors, we can also provide RGB, CCT, and other solutions according to your needs. Special application lighting colors are also available, such as yellow, red, purple, and UVC.
Depending on the application, the corresponding lighting equipment is different, so there are many different shapes in the field of LED lighting. For example, in the underground parking lot, we would recommend the use of https://www.shinelongled.com/products/led-tri-proof-light/parkade/ also known as Parkade; office recommended Slice US panel lights; large warehouses recommended UFO or https://www.shinelongled.com/products/industrial-lighting/mega-high-bay-lights/ the shape of these lamps is not the same.
Of course, in the same installation scenario, want to achieve different illumination needs, we can provide different wattage and brightness solutions.
Hope I have explained it clearly.
Regards,
ShineLong