8 Advantages of LEDs Comparing To Traditional Lighting Solutions

Lighting is estimated to be responsible for 2.4% of the annual energy needs worldwide. It is unquestionable that you should switch from standard bulbs to Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs because LEDs are more efficient, thus spend less energy. But do you know the real reasons why are LEDs better than traditional lamps?

First, you should be aware of the disadvantages of LED. Some disadvantages are pointed out such as the predominance of cool-white LED lightbulbs, which are more uncomfortable, attract more insects and are prone to blue hazard, which is a specification for eyesafety. The LED light area is also less spherical, so its applications for wider light span is limited. Another disadvantage is that, due to the low temperature, which can be seen as a safety feature, snow cannot melt. This can generate hazard in traffic control, as snow will obscure the light.

But the 8 most important advantages of LED technology are pointed below:

Why are LEDs better than traditional lamps?

1. LED Light Lifespan
   The most significant advantage of LEDs when compared to traditional lighting solutions is the long lifespan. The average LED lasts 50,000 operating hours to 100,000 operating hours or more. That is 2-4times as long as most fluorescent lights and it is more than 40 times as long as the average incandescent bulb.
2. LED Energy Efficiency
   LEDs generally consume very low amounts of energy (around 5 times less than traditional incandescent bulbs). The statistics to look for when comparing the energy efficiency of different lighting solutions are called by one of two terms: luminous efficacy or useful lumens. These two items essentially describe the amount of light emitted per unit of power (watts) consumed by the bulb.
3. Improved Safety With LEDs
   Safety is perhaps the most often overlooked advantage when it comes to LED lighting. The number one hazard when it comes to lighting is the emission of heat. LEDs emit almost no forward heat while traditional bulbs like incandescents convert more than 90% of the total energy used to power them directly into heat. That means only 10% of the energy powering incandescent lights is actually used for light (which also makes them extremely inefficient compared to LEDs). Additionally, because LEDs consume less power they can operate effectively on low-voltage electrical systems.
4. LED Dimming Capability
   LEDs are able to operate at a virtually any percentage of their rated power (0 to 100%). Of note, they do require hardware specific to LED technology in order to dim (meaning you cannot use the dimming equipment for an incandescent bulb or other traditional lighting technology). A positive of operating LEDs at less than full power is that they get more efficient as the power is reduced. This also increases the total lifespan of the light itself.
5. LEDs Provide Instantaneous Turn On & Do Not Have Issues With Frequent Switching
   LEDs turn on and off instantaneously. There is no warm-up period like in the case of metal halide lamps. Additionally, frequent switching doesn’t cause degradation in the device.
6. LED Lights Are Environmentally Safe
   LEDs do not have the environmental issues common to traditional lighting solutions like fluorescent or mercury vapor lights. Both of these traditional solutions contain mercury internal to the bulb and thus require special handling at the end of the product’s useful lifespan. None of these considerations are necessary with LEDs.
7. LEDs Produce Virtually Zero UV Emissions
   LEDs emit the vast majority of their energy in the visible spectrum, a small amount in the infrared spectrum, and virtually none in the ultraviolet portion of the spectrum. This means that LEDs are able to safely and reliably illuminate UV sensitive items like art that will break down and degrade over time if exposed to this type of emission.
8. Correlated Color Temperature (CCT)
   LEDs are available in a wide range of correlated color temperature (CCT) values. They can be purchased with a “warm,” yellowish glow, as a “cool,” white light and a variety of other options.