What are the benefits of using LED lighting?

LED lighting is gradually replacing traditional incandescent, neon and compact fluorescent lighting in both commercial and residential premises as more and more people become aware of its benefits.

LEDs (light emitting diodes) have been hailed as the future of lighting because of their low energy usage, which not only saves businesses money but also helps lower their carbon footprint.

But there are lots of other benefits to using LED lighting, and here we’ll take a look at the main ones.

They save you money

An initial investment in LEDs costs more than other lighting but their energy efficiency, low maintenance and increased lifespan mean money is saved in the long term.

Energy efficiency

Many businesses which don’t have LED lighting use fluorescent tubes, high intensity discharge (HID) lamps or standard light bulbs known as incandescent lamps.

Fluorescent tubes are particularly common in offices and factories. Some fluorescent lighting is more energy efficient than others, but a standard fluorescent T8 batten’s lifespan is about 10,000 hours, whereas an equivalent LED light will last an average 50,000 hours.

Warehouses in particular use high intensity discharge (HID) lamps but these are widely recognised as being very inefficient compared to LEDs.

Standard light bulbs – or incandescent lamps – have developed into the more energy efficient compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). However, LEDs are still much more efficient in their energy use, needing up to 90 per cent less power than CFLs to produce the same amount of light. This means that electricity costs are reduced.

LEDs also produce very little heat, which saves on wasted energy, and also reduces the need for air conditioning.

Low maintenance

LED lights are pretty much maintenance-free, as opposed to standard fluorescent tubes and HIDs which need to be maintained if they are to work to their optimum output.

Long lasting

LED lighting lasts much longer than other traditional lights. The lifespan of one LED bulb is on average ten times longer than that of a CFL, and 133 times longer than a typical incandescent bulb.

Targeted lighting

LEDs send light directly to where it’s needed. Fluorescent tubes, on the other hand, emit light around the whole of the cylinder.

They are better for the environment

There are many ecological benefits of using LED lighting, with the use of LEDs helping to reduce a business’s carbon footprint.

No toxic materials

LEDs do not contain toxic materials such as mercury or lead. This makes them safer for use as well as less environmentally harmful, and means they can be fully recycled.

Other benefits

Their long lifespan means wastage is reduced, and their low power usage makes them ideal for use in areas and homes that use solar panels.

Safety

LEDs produce ‘cold’ light which generates virtually no heat, so the risk of burns and fire is reduced.

Aesthetics

One of the major visible effects the use of LED lighting can have on a business is that it makes offices and warehouses brighter, ‘cleaner’ looking and generally gives a more modern and professional image. This can have a positive effect on anyone working in or visiting the premises.

Durability

LEDs are more durable than other traditional lighting as they are not made of fragile components such as filaments and glass, so they’re unaffected by external factors such as wind, rain, cold temperatures, vibrations and impacts.

Further benefits:

• Switching them on and off regularly does not affect how long they last, unlike other lighting which can diminish with frequent switching
• LEDs produce no UV light or infra-red radiation. This makes them ideal for use in premises such as food production units and museums, where items may be sensitive to UV light or heat
• They are easy to install
• They are silent and do not buzz or flicker

DRF Electrical is experienced in the installation of a wide variety of LED lights, and we advise businesses and homeowners about the benefits of switching to LEDs. We can do this as part of a wider strategic plan focused on reducing your energy consumption.

For more information call us on 0113 257 8212.