LED lighting has been up and coming or the best part of 20 years now. Back even as far as 2010, LEDs were still considered fairly expensive as an alternative to the likes of fluorescents. As more and more people have taken to the LED market, however, the sheer scale of economies have taken hold. Making the actual manufacturing of these devices far less expensive than what it was when LEDs weren't so popular and on the mass market like they are now. On the lead up to 2020, LEDs really started to shine through in the markets. By the time the global pandemic came, Huge energy bill increases and related inflation, and a little bit of government-lead schemes along the way, LEDs have now taken first place and it that is a concrete position. It's not hard to see why - LED lights are cost-effective, but they are also energy-efficient, which means they can help you save money on your energy bills. LED lights are becoming increasingly popular in households across the world, and with good reason.
Why are LED lights so popular?
Simply put - it makes economic sense to go LED. compared to their incandescent, fluorescent, or halogen counterparts, LEDs are wildly energy efficient. LEDs put a lot more of the electrical energy their given into actually producing light, rather than turning it into heat. You will have noticed the others get considerably hot vey quickly. (Ever tried changing one that's just gone out? Yikes!) In layman's terms, for the same amount of light produced, LEDs use far less energy to do so. Studies suggest up to 90% savings can be realised when compared to the classical incandescent light bulbs. Another property of LEDs that help their case, is that they last a whole lot longer than the other types! LEDs can be rated anywhere in the region of 10,000 - 50,000 hours of life. Traditional bulbs tend to only last 1,000 hours. That's a 10x - 50x increase! Win!
Putting that into perspective: LEDs last a whole lot longer, and LEDs cost far less to run. Although the outlay is a little big higher, in the long run, the bigger picture is they actually save you money.
Where can I find LED lights?
LED lights are highly versatile, and you'll be hard pressed not to find a light fitting, or bulb, you require that is LED. You will find them in the following variants, just to name a few: Ceiling lights, outdoor lights such as floodlights and security lights, wall lights, strip lights, bathroom lights, under cabinet lights, and all the rest.
What do I need to look out for when purchasing a new LED light?
When you're in the market for new LED light fittings and associated LED bulbs, you will want to be mindful of:
What colour light would you like? LEDs tend to come in warm white (more yellow), cool white (more blue), and daylight (in between). you can also find RGB (multicoloured) LEDs, too!
Do you need the light fitting / bulbs to be dimmable? Not all LEDs are dimmable so make sure you get the right ones!
Is the light going in a bathroom or outside? You need to look out for IP ratings that are suitable for those wet environments.
Does the bulb fit the light? There are many different shape fittings including E27 (edison screw-type), B22 (Bayonet type), MR12 and MR16 (halogen type), and many, many more!
What voltage do they require? You're likely to come across 240V, but 5V 12V and 24V are available, in both DC and AC!
If you're fitting downlighters, do they need to be fire rated (we recommend this to all of our clients anyway!)?
If you're replacing existing downlighters, will the new LED lights fit the hole that is already there?
If you ever get stuck, need advice or need help with the installation, feel free to call your local NICEIC electricians serving Medway & Maidstone on :- 01622 277 321
