LED Bulbs Are the More Efficient Lighting Choice

With 5% of an average household’s energy budget going to lighting, people need to find ways to lower their electricity bills. The effortless way to conserve energy is through energy-efficient bulbs. It is possible to save up to $45 annually by merely replacing the top five most-used bulbs or light fixtures with energy star rated bulbs. Recent innovations have led to the development of vast types of light technologies ranging from light bulbs made to fight off deadly bacteria to those that respond to sound waves. The simple source of light has now evolved into different sophisticated products. However, it might not be easy to shop for the best light bulbs due to the numerous options available now. There are many factors to consider, including energy-saving capabilities, which are essential to lowering climate change. Based on this fact, households utilize 75% less energy by using LED bulbs.

Why use LED Bulbs?

While there are plenty of reasons to use LED bulbs over the other types, the most compelling one is their energy efficiency, making them ideal for use in home appliances like refrigerators. They would save approximately 25% to 35% over traditional bulbs when they first entered the market. Its efficiency has since improved to 75%, making them even better.

LED bulbs are undoubtedly the best bulbs to incorporate with a smart home system. LED efficiency comes from the fact that it wastes minimal energy generating heat with the largest share of its energy used to produce light. While incandescent bulbs are the most wasteful, CFLs are not all that better as they release 80% of the energy as heat.

The fact that LED bulbs produce intrinsically directional light makes them suitable for task lighting. Users can beam the light from these bulbs to operate as down-lights in bathrooms, offices, and the kitchen. Furthermore, they are more suitable for small, tight spaces such as closets because they do not get hot.

How long do LED Bulbs Last?

LED bulbs are more durable than CFL and incandescent bulbs. While an LED bulb lasts about 25,000 to 50,000 hours, and incandescent and CFL have an average lifespan of 1,000 to 2000 hours and 8,000 hours, respectively. According to Energy.gov, LED holiday lights can last for 40 years. Despite the long lifespan, like every other lighting device, LED bulbs are vulnerable to breakdowns and damage because of various factors, including:

• Power Supply - Operating luminaires beyond their approved power requirements can lower their lifespan. LED bulbs need a stable power supply to help in maximizing their life expectancy and power output.
• Ambient Temperature - The ambient temperature surge can affect a LED’s driver and chip, lowering the lifespan significantly. Therefore, it is better to place LED lights in areas that allow proper heat dissipation.
• Drivers and Capacity - In the past, energy in LED luminaire drivers was stored in plastic capacitors, prone to external factors like heat. However, the ceramic capacitors used today last longer because of high heat tolerance.

Different Types of LED Bulbs

Due to LED lighting’s popularity, different types of LED bulbs have been manufactured over the years. These include:

• E27 (Edison Screw) - This type of LED bulb is also called the Edison Screw or ES. They are popularly used in the US. Since they have the same measurements as the incandescent 27 or halogen 27, it perfectly fits an existing E27 fitting.
• E14 (Small Edison Screw) - While it resembles the E27, it differs in size in that the E14 has a diameter of 14mm. It is mainly utilized for practical or decorative purposes in small fittings like appliances and chandeliers.
• B22 (Bayonet) - Like the Edison Screw, the B22 is popularly used across the West. It has a diameter of 22mm. It is also available in a smaller variation called the B15 (Small Bayonet), measuring 15mm to fit in smaller fittings.
• R50 Bulbs - It is also called reflector bulbs. The R50 bulbs have the E14 fitting but with a differently shaped top to accommodate various uses and fixtures.

LED bulbs can be used in various areas, including replacing for 75W, 60W, and 40W traditional incandescent or in reflector bulbs used in desk lamps, outdoor lighting, recessed fixtures, kitchen under-cabinet, and track lights. Although they are slightly expensive, they are durable, energy-saving, and perform well.