If you’re looking to reduce energy costs and increase your home’s overall value, LED lighting might be a great project to consider taking on. Many homes still use traditional incandescent or CFL (Compact Fluorescent) light bulbs as their primary sources of light.
While the CFL bulbs may have been energy efficient for their time, that is simply not the case anymore compared to LED bulbs of the same size. Manufactures are actually slowly phasing out older style bulbs from production in favor for LED. With LED lighting you’ll lower energy costs, reduce fire risks by eliminating the heat that is emitted from regular bulbs , and have a much brighter home.
When compared to CFL and incandescent bulbs, LED bulbs use 50% – 90% less energy. Not only do they use less energy, they also last much longer. LED bulbs generally have a lifespan of 10+ years. CFL bulbs about 5 years, and incandescent only 1 year. They also tend to be more affordable initially when you purchase the bulbs – saving you money on replacements.
Another great feature that LED lighting has are heat sinks. Gone are the days of burning yourself on a hot light bulb. LED bulbs channel all the heat produced from the light into internal heatsinks. So they are cold to the touch, which greatly reduces the risk of an attic fire and makes it easier to regulate the temperature of your home in the summer. 80-90% of energy released from CFL and incandescent bulbs is heat – which is why they are hot to the touch when on.
If your home features recessed canned lights with CFL bulbs, the wiring can be reconfigured to support LED bulbs. You can either leave the original cans or install flat LED downlights over the existing cans for a more modern look.
In addition to these benefits, LED lights are generally a lot more brighter and less harsh of a light compared to regular bulbs or CFLs. LEDs produce more lumens per watt, making it much more affordable to purchase bulbs or fixtures with a higher lumen rating.
LED bulbs and fixtures have proven to be a great option for home owner’s looking to brighten up their homes and reduce energy costs. Many customers are surprised at how affordable it can be to convert or replace existing fixtures and bulbs. Especially considering the energy savings.
LED is it Worth It?
CFL bulbs are an improvement on the traditional incandescent bulb, but still fall well short of LED bulbs’ longevity. LED lights can last for three times longer than most CFLs.
LED light bulbs use up to 85% less electricity than traditional light bulbs and 95% of that energy is converted to light with only 5% wasted as heat. Not only does that energy efficiency save money on your bills, it also reduces your impact on the environment.
LED bulbs are free of nasty chemicals CFL bulbs, like their incandescent counterparts, contain mercury, which when inhaled by humans or animals, can be dangerous. LED bulbs are free of this toxin, making them the safer option.
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