LED stands for Light Emitting Diode

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are solid-state lighting components. Each individual LED consists of a semiconductor diode that emits light when a voltage is applied to it. They have no moving, fragile parts and can last for decades. LEDs can be many times more energy-efficient than light bulbs, depending on the application.

The electronics industry has used LED technology for several decades as indicator lights for various electronic devices. In more recent years, LED technology has progressed to the point of becoming viable for general lighting applications. LED lights are designed to last about 50 times longer, which means less ladder-climbing maintenance and less waste. Please visit our Savings Calculator to see how much you could save if you switch your traditional lights to LEDs.

Efficiency

LEDs give off most of their light in one direction, leading to improvements in efficiency. They remain significantly cooler than other types of lighting, which avoid loss of energy due to heat (80% of the energy a compact fluorescent bulb uses is emitted as heat).

Most of the energy emitted from incandescent bulbs is converted to heat instead of light. That’s why you’ll burn yourself if you try to touch an incandescent bulb once it’s turned on.

Since LEDs consume significantly less energy, they don’t emit as much heat. That’s why you typically won’t burn yourself if you try to touch an LED light once it’s turned on.

LED lighting can save up to 85 percent of the electricity used by incandescent bulbs and up to 50 percent of electricity used by fluorescents.

Long LED Lifespan

Performance

Unlike fluorescent lights, LEDs reach full brightness immediately upon being turned on with as much as a 75% increase in efficacy (lumens/watt).

Shock Resistance

LEDs do not use a filament to produce light, which means they can withstand much greater vibration and shock before failing. LEDs are 100% solid state with no moving parts.

Green

Compact fluorescent and linear flourescent bulbs contain between 3 and 5 mg of mercury per bulb, leading to both environmental and health concerns. LEDs do not use mercury. Fluorescent lamps require ballasts that contain harmful PCB materials as well as lead. Meanwhile, LED’s use lead-free drivers that can be recycled at the end of their life cycle. Whether at home or in the office, they are clearly healthier and more environment-friendly option.