LED technology has come a long way since the 1980's. Traditionally only equipped for use in electronics and appliances (think VCR clocks and microwave ovens), LED has now come of age and is starting to make a significant impact impact on the movement towards greener, cleaner energy solutions. Unlike incandescent or halogen bulbs, LED lighting converters 90% of its power into usable energy – filling a room with ample light. With new enhancements in LED manufacturing, buyers can now take advantage of the full spectrum of colors, including a pure white "noon day" light that provides increased clarity and sharpness to objects without causing eye strain or glare.
Unlike incandescent or fluorescent lights, LED technology also contains no filaments, ballasts or starters. Compared to conventional lighting systems, LED lighting requires far less maintenance and can last up to 50,000 hours while still putting out up to 70% of its original light. LED lights do not burn out, but fade out gradually, requiring less time and effort than typical light bulbs.
Because LED bulbs are so energy efficient, they can potentially cut your energy bill by 50% or more. Replacing a typical three tube fluorescent light (with each light lighting out 32 watts) with LED bulbs (with each light lighting out 15 watts) cuts energy costs by over half while still producing the same amount of light. But despite the most important benefit of switching to LED lighting is its impact on the environment.
Nearly 50,000 pounds of mercury waste are dumped into landfills every year because of fluorescent lights that are disposed of. Of that 50,000 pounds of mercury, it takes only 4 milligrams to poison 7,000 gallons of water and render it undrinkable. When you consider how precious our fragile water system is, it just makes good sense to get rid of outdated fluorescent bulbs and high-maintenance incandescent. What's more, LED lights are fully recyclable – so you not only help the environment by reducing your power usage and saving money, but you help contribute to ecological sustainability by choosing lights that are cleaner and greener than their counterparts.
In addition to the energy and money saving benefits that people are discovering with the transition to LED lighting, statewide organizations and even the federal government are noticing too. Local power plants, state energy programs and federal departments are making energy-upgrading incentives available across the country. Depending on where you live, you may be able to upgrade to LED technology to meet mandated energy use requirements for your local area.
To learn more about the benefits of installing an LED lighting system in your home and how much you could be saving, consult with your LED manufacturer or supplier. You may learn that the savings are far more impressive than the lighting system you've been using all these years. When it comes to cleaner energy, more money in your pocket and less of an impact on the environment, Going Green with LED Technology brings results that are clear in any light!
