Light- emitting diodes (LED) are the future of home lighting. As the incandescent light was surpassed by the compact fluorescent lamp (CFL), so to the CFL is giving way to the LED.
LEDs themselves are nothing new, having been originally invented by the 20th century Russian scientist Oleg Vladimirovich Losev (1903 – 1942). LED lights have been on the market for decades; however they have largely been relegated to electronic equipment, as they only have been available in red, blue, and green. With developments to the white light capacities of the LED, they have become viable lighting options for home and office lighting.
The LED light is created by running electrons through a semiconductor, the result of this is a process known as electroluminescence – a process that is fundamentally different than incandescent.
The incandescent bulb has had tremendous longevity and is a cheap and versatile bulb. However, this design is power-hungry, inefficient, and typically short-lived. One of the primary benefits of incandescent bulbs is the quality of light they emit. Quality of light is typically measured as colour temperature, colour accuracy, and the utility of the light pattern. Incandescent lights typically rate high in all these categories; however, the inefficient use of energy continues to decrease their use in homes. Even modern incandescent bulbs can transform energy into 90% heat instead of light.
CFL bulbs solve some of the efficiency problems of the incandescent bulbs. However, each bulb contains small traces of mercury, which can cause issues with the disposal of the bulbs. CFL typically are long-lasting bulbs, ranging from 5,000 – 15,000 hours. However, they do not last nearly as long in rapid cycling circumstances. If the bulb is turned and left on when installed, you may exceed the length rating of the bulb. However, if the bulb is constantly being turned on and off, the bulb will burn out quite quickly. CFL bulbs captured a large portion of the market during the mid-2000’s, however its market share has declined significantly since then.
The most essential distinction between LED and incandescent / CFL bulbs is that LED bulbs are solid-state. Rather than creating light through gas-discharge or burning, LEDs use semiconductors. This allows the LED to be a longer-lasting and power efficient light. There has been progress in the colouration of LED lights, as the light they emit now resembles that of an incandescent bulb. This means that LED bulbs are a viable option for the home, as the white light they emit is neither too harsh nor too light. The next time you are purchasing a light, consider LED, while the cost may be high upfront, they are high performing bulbs that can save you a lot of money and hassle through their efficient use of energy. Come chat with us at Coordinated Kitchen & Bath and see how LED lights can fit into your kitchen or bathroom.
LEDs themselves are nothing new, having been originally invented by the 20th century Russian scientist Oleg Vladimirovich Losev (1903 – 1942). LED lights have been on the market for decades; however they have largely been relegated to electronic equipment, as they only have been available in red, blue, and green. With developments to the white light capacities of the LED, they have become viable lighting options for home and office lighting.
The LED light is created by running electrons through a semiconductor, the result of this is a process known as electroluminescence – a process that is fundamentally different than incandescent.
The incandescent bulb has had tremendous longevity and is a cheap and versatile bulb. However, this design is power-hungry, inefficient, and typically short-lived. One of the primary benefits of incandescent bulbs is the quality of light they emit. Quality of light is typically measured as colour temperature, colour accuracy, and the utility of the light pattern. Incandescent lights typically rate high in all these categories; however, the inefficient use of energy continues to decrease their use in homes. Even modern incandescent bulbs can transform energy into 90% heat instead of light.
CFL bulbs solve some of the efficiency problems of the incandescent bulbs. However, each bulb contains small traces of mercury, which can cause issues with the disposal of the bulbs. CFL typically are long-lasting bulbs, ranging from 5,000 – 15,000 hours. However, they do not last nearly as long in rapid cycling circumstances. If the bulb is turned and left on when installed, you may exceed the length rating of the bulb. However, if the bulb is constantly being turned on and off, the bulb will burn out quite quickly. CFL bulbs captured a large portion of the market during the mid-2000’s, however its market share has declined significantly since then.
The most essential distinction between LED and incandescent / CFL bulbs is that LED bulbs are solid-state. Rather than creating light through gas-discharge or burning, LEDs use semiconductors. This allows the LED to be a longer-lasting and power efficient light. There has been progress in the colouration of LED lights, as the light they emit now resembles that of an incandescent bulb. This means that LED bulbs are a viable option for the home, as the white light they emit is neither too harsh nor too light. The next time you are purchasing a light, consider LED, while the cost may be high upfront, they are high performing bulbs that can save you a lot of money and hassle through their efficient use of energy. Come chat with us at Coordinated Kitchen & Bath and see how LED lights can fit into your kitchen or bathroom.
