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Improving Light bulb technology is one of the reasons why Australia is phasing out mains voltage halogen bulbs. Many incandescent bulbs have already been phased out and replaced with Light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. This blog will present a complete guide to LED lighting in your home, and you can learn the advantages of this Light bulb technology.
This ultimate guide to LED lighting considers the advantages, applications, and types of LEDs. You can also read up on choosing the right LED strip lights and home lighting solutions from electrical contractors. Let's dive in!
What are LED lights?
LED is a term that stands for light-emitting diodes. LED lights are energy-saving solid-state diodes that typically last longer than standard filament bulbs. Another characteristic of LED lighting is the light it produces when an electrical current goes through the conductor.
Advantages of LED Bulbs
Long-lasting LED Light bulbs
LED bulbs typically last very long. As such, they are excellent lighting solutions for residential and commercial environments. Their lifetimes usually range from 50,000 to 100,000 hours. This is over two times more lifespan than that of incandescent halogen lighting. This lifespan is also about 50 times more than that of incandescent bulbs.
Less efficient traditional incandescent light bulbs
The residential and commercial use of traditional incandescent lighting is declining, and newer technologies are taking over. Conventional incandescent light bulbs are in less demand because there is greater demand for more energy-conserving alternatives. LED bulbs are up to 25% more efficient than traditional light bulbs.
In essence, LED light bulbs can convert all their energy to light, and no energy dissipates as heat. Therefore, the environment around such bulbs is cooler than what you get with compact fluorescent and halogen lighting.
Higher light output
Since LED lights generate a higher lumens per watt ratio (a more significant measure of light outputs), they are more efficient than traditional incandescent lights. However, you may decide to check the standby electricity usage of smart LED lighting bulbs before you buy LED Light bulbs. This can help reduce electricity costs as smart LED light bulbs may only be a little more efficient than incandescent light bulbs.
Money saving
Using LED light bulbs can aid you in reducing your electricity bills. Led bulbs consume around 80% less electricity to produce an equivalent amount of light as a halogen bulb. This means that you can save some money. They are also low maintenance.
Disadvantages of LED Lights
More expensive
On the flip side, the cost of your LED light bulbs can be as high as 14 times more than that of incandescent Light bulbs and almost four times that of compact fluorescent light bulbs.
Dependence on ambient temperature
LED lights also depend on the ambient temperature of the environment in which they operate. There is an impact on the p-n junction of LEDs when the ambient temperature changes. The device can, therefore, possibly fail due to overheating from overdriving.
Light pollution
LED lights tend to cause pollution because cool white LEDs release more blue light than conventional outdoor lights. It is, therefore, a cause of light pollution.
Application of LED Lighting
LED lights
This type of lighting highlights and illuminates items and presents them in their best state. Therefore, people prefer using them in many applications, such as residential, commercial, and office lighting.
Outdoor Lighting
LED lighting offers substantial power savings and is excellent for use in outdoor spaces like billboards and road signs.
Automotive lighting
The energy-saving features of LED lights are applied in automotive lighting. They provide better accessibility when used in the rear of automobiles. Driver and pedestrian safety is boosted when the dimming feature enhances visibility. Unlike compact fluorescent lights and traditional lighting, LED bulbs are not influenced by weather conditions. They shine brightly immediately when you turn them on.
LED Colour Temperatures
The "colour temperature" term describes a bulb's colour of luminous intensity and light output. The colour temperature can determine what effect the 'warm white light' of light bulbs can achieve. For example, a 'warm' light that toes along the line of the red spectrum offers promising results for living rooms, while a 'cool' light that edges more towards the blue range can be great for bathrooms.
Type of LEDs, LED Bulbs and Lighting Products
Certain LED products may look similar to fluorescent tubes or other Light bulbs, but they have unique applications. You can use the following guide on LED types to help you choose the proper LED lighting for your space.
RGB LED bulbs
They are Red, Blue, and Green colour producing LEDs.
SMD LED bulbs
These are surface-mounted light-emitting diodes that have distinguishing physical dimensions.
Standard LED bulbs
You can find these light bulbs in households. They are similar to traditional Edison bulbs.
Task lighting or accent lighting
Your electrician can use task lighting to illuminate specific tasks. This includes homework, cooking, or reading tasks. On the other hand, they can use accent lighting to create visual interest and provide a mood-setting in space. For example, they can draw attention to critical items like wall artwork.
Similarly, they can use directional light fixtures such as directional light bulbs to complement ambient lighting and illuminate permanent task surfaces. They must select the right beam angles for the directional light fixtures.
Integrated LED luminaires
LED lighting can be supplied as integrated luminaires. In this instance, LED light sources combine with light fittings.
Outdoor LED lights
Directional LED lights, string lights, and LED bulbs are great options for lighting outdoor spaces. You can use them for backyards and porches and make them feel more secure.
LED floodlights
These flat-topped bulbs are can-shaped and can provide a lot of light to indoor and outdoor spaces.
Track LED lights
These adjustable, angled bulbs are usually ceiling-mounted and use directional light. You can place the bulbs at regular intervals.
Decorative lighting
Decorative lighting fixtures are typically made to look attractive and pretty. Great examples are chandeliers and wall sconces.
Mini LEDs
This is a common type of LED light that is quite tiny. It is very suitable for use in smartphones and tablets.
LED spotlights
These directional LED lights replace halogen bulbs because of their longer life spans and low energy requirements.
LED Tube lights
LED tubes are cylindrical LED lamps that provide powerful lighting and have a long spine. Standard LED tube lights are also a type of LED tube light.
LED ceiling lights
LED ceiling lights are a type OF led light found in kitchens and bathrooms. These ceiling lights come in various shapes and can provide ambient or task lighting.
Smart LED Light bulbs
You can use an app to turn LED smart bulbs on or off and set them up automatically. They are remote-enabled with a Wi-Fi connection.
Choosing the Right LED Strip Lights
One trick to choosing LED light strips is considering the brightness levels of various LED strip lights. The LED strip lighting you choose as task lighting for your kitchen can be as bright as 500 to 700 lumens per meter. However, you may choose a 100 to 300 brightness level for ambient lighting.
You can also use warm or cool white shades of white LED strip lights. Or you could go for vibrant RGB or smart LED strip lights. When choosing LED strip lights, prioritise high-quality LEDS with good flexibility, especially if you install them in tight corners. In addition, decide if you prefer a warm white colour temperature for a cosy feel or cool white for a functional feel.
You can choose creative lighting designs that prioritise convenience before you install LED strip lights. However, note that LED strips may fail to render colours as accurately as other lighting sources.
Home Lighting Solutions from Electrical Contractors
This complete guide to LED lighting in your home can be helpful when buying LED light bulbs. You now know more about LED lighting products' advantages, applications, and types. Professional lighting solutions from electrical contractors include natural or artificial lighting solutions and LED virtual skylights with lighting provided to dark corners.
They can also provide LED downlights, garden lights, kitchen lights, lamp shades, or LED panels. You can call on them if you need to change your dimmer switches before switching to LEDs or if you need lighting guides to colour temperatures as you buy LED lights.
