Almost everyone today knows what an LED light is in the most general sense, but few are aware of how fast it is set to become the main source of general lighting in both homes and businesses. Everyone from the Department of Energy to environmental advocates are pushing the pace of LED general lighting development because of the dramatic savings in energy associated with their use, and the fact that LEDs use no environmentally harmful substances like some older energy-saving bulbs (ie compact fluorescents which contain mercury).
Although light emitting diodes have been around since the 1960's, their use up until several years ago was confined to such things as indicator lights in electronic devices, traffic signals and instrument panels. It was not until the invention of the white LED (in the late 1990's) that people began to take a closer look at their ability to replace incandescent lighting in homes or businesses. Being a technology that uses a semiconductor to produce light means that the output and efficiency of LED lights is improving at a rapid pace; today's LED replacements can achieve a life span of 50,000 hours while consuming 80% less energy than a standard incandescent bulb. LEDs that produce a warm white light were invented by accident in 2005 but will allow a person to replace their incandescent bulbs with a similar color light to what they're used to. An additional benefit of LED lighting is that only a very small amount of UV or IR radiation is emitted, making it highly useful for locations where valuable art is hung on the wall or fading may be an issue.
The current market is full of LED replacement bulbs and lighting solutions, but it is also buyer beware. There is a lot of junk on the market today that if bought and tried will certainly disappoint you. Well made LED replacement bulbs are still pricey and the cheap products on the market today, a lot of them being sold through big box stores, will not last nor produce or sustain a bright enough light. On a side note, LED bulbs (LEDs do not really need to be a bulb!) Do not usually "burn out," instead their usable life is measured by a certain percentage decrease in brightness. The Department of Energy is using reasonable resources to promote LED lighting (also called SSL, or Solid State Lighting) and just recently announced the Energy Star specifications for residential LED usage. That means in the near future you will have some assurance as a buyer that the product you are purchasing really will live up to your expectations.
In the meantime, it is important to buy your LED lighting from a trustworthy source with good customer service in case of any problems you might experience with this new technology. Companies that have established their credibility by working closely with, and traveling to, the factories making the LED lighting they carry are a good place to start your shopping. Look for the offer of a money-back guarantee if you are unsure of what you are buying and how it's going to work. Now is the time to start using LED lighting, but be sure to shop wisely and you will save yourself both time and money in the long run.
