According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), as of 2018, LEDs were the second-most common lighting in U.S. commercial buildings, following standard fluorescent bulbs. While their report focuses on business cases, one trip down the lighting aisle at your favorite hardware store will lead you to conclude that LED bulbs are also a leading choice for residential homes.
It’s easy to understand why. After decades of relying on fragile incandescent light bulbs with limited lifespans, manufacturers first introduced light bulb-style fluorescent bulbs to residential consumers. While these bulbs had a longer lifespan and used less power, they had limitations, including a long warm-up time, and often emitted a harsh light. After it was clear they were not gaining the traction predicted, the next generation of energy-efficient bulbs hit the market–LED lighting.
LED lights use up to 90% less energy than incandescent lighting and last 25 times longer. The EIA estimates that LED lighting will provide up to 95% of commercial lighting needs by 2050. Furthermore, by 2035 they forecast the overall energy savings from using LED lighting could reach 570 terawatt-hours–that’s the annual output of more than 92 one-gigawatt power plants.
What is an LED light, and how does it work?
LEDs or light-emitting diodes are particular types of diodes optimized to radiate light as electricity passes through them. In the case of home automation, the light generated is part of the visual spectrum. At the same time, LEDs produced for remote controls and other similar devices are invisible as part of the infrared spectrum.
A diode is a type of semiconductor that controls the flow of electricity using p-n junctions. P-n junctions divide negatively charged electrons (n) from the positively charged protons (p), and the separation of the two creates controlled activity resulting in energy. The construction of the p-n junction will impact how much energy is created, and more energy equals more light.
Why should you choose LED lighting for your home?
LED lighting provides many benefits to residential consumers in addition to the energy savings and longevity described above. Here are more reasons why homeowners enjoy LED lighting.
- Low radiant heat. LED bulbs produce almost no noticeable heat, so hazardous risks such as fires are reduced tremendously. Homeowners don’t need to worry about leaving lights on or having a curtain close to a lamp.
- Bright light. LED bulbs are just as effective at producing bright light as incandescent bulbs, and the light is immediately full-strength. There is no warm-up period.
- Design flexibility. Because the LEDs are small elements, they can be constructed in many different ways to accommodate a variety of designs. For example, homeowners can choose “standard” LED bulbs for lamps or lighting strips for installation under cabinets.
- Color. The variety of colors from LEDs is limitless. Homeowners can choose typical bright or soft glows with LED lightbulbs or find bulbs that will change color throughout the day. LEDs allow homeowners to be as creative as possible with lighting features throughout the house.
- Safe for the environment. Unlike fluorescent bulbs, LEDs do not contain mercury. LEDs have a long lifespan, but at the end of it, their metal and glass components can be recycled.
Ready to upgrade your home lighting system?
There are so many “smart” tools at our disposal now to add convenience, comfort, and motivation to our lives. The best place to start creating your perfect smart home is with a quality foundational system. Our team will ensure your system will serve you well for decades to come.
Stop by and talk with our professionals at Accurate Electronic Interiors about the latest in home automation technology. Visit our AEI Showroom to feel what living in a smart home is like. Our team can help you decide which systems you’d like to have in your home and build a plan based on your budget to make it a reality.