Have you made the switch to LED lighting in your home? LEDs offer lower energy use and longer life than conventional incandescent bulbs, while still providing the same high-quality light you've become accustomed to. LED prices have also dropped significantly in recent years, making the a low-cost investment in energy efficiency and sustainability.

What makes LEDs different?

Traditional incandescent bulbs use fragile filaments, while LEDs are made from solid semiconductor materials infused with special chemicals. Coated components on the material surface shine with light when connected to an electrical current.

LEDs emit very little radiant heat, making them cool to the touch. By comparison, incandescent bulbs waste up to 90% of their energy has heat. LEDs are also directional in nature, making them very useful for recessed downlights and task lighting.

What are the benefits of LEDs?

For home lighting, LEDs offer a number of advantages:

  • Energy efficiency. LEDs are up to 80% more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs.
  • Long life. Quality LED products have a rated life of up to 25,000 hours or more. At an average of five hours a day, they could last you more than 13 years.
  • Durability. Because LEDs don't break easily, they're a good fit for workrooms, outdoors and other harsh environments.
  • Safer. LEDs are cool to the touch, making them safer to use. Also, LEDs contain no hazardous mercury, making disposal simpler.

Using LEDs in your home

With their unique features, you can find an LED bulb that's a perfect fit for any area of your home.

Dimming is a great way to create a cozy evening atmosphere. LEDs are inherently dimmable, but they may not be compatible with existing dimmer switches in your home. LED-compatible dimmer switches are affordable and readily available at your local home improvement retailer.

LEDs come in different color tones, making them useful for a variety of applications. Soft white LEDs are yellowish in color, similar to incandescent bulbs. They're perfect for reading or relaxing. Bright white or daylight LEDs have a bluish tone, similar to fluorescent lights. These bulbs are perfect for the laundry, workrooms or other spaces where you need bright light.

Some LED bulbs are not compatible for use in enclosed fixtures. LEDs are cool to the touch, but they use a heat sink. The lack of ventilation in an enclosed fixture can cause the bulb to overheat, shortening its lifespan. Make sure to use LEDs that are rated for use in enclosed fixtures.

With their high-quality light, energy efficiency and long life, LEDs are easy on the eyes and your energy bills.