Why LED lighting is environmentally friendly and energy efficient

What’s different about LED lighting?

LED light is measured in lumens rather than watts. The higher the number of lumens, the more white light the bulb will emit.

LED lights also provide a broad range of colour temperatures and options. Colour temperature is measured in kelvin units. The lower the kelvin number, the more yellow the light. A colour temperature of 2,500-3,000 K denotes a yellowish hue, similar to the incandescent light bulb, which mimics the warm glow of sunlight.

At the other end of the spectrum, 6,500 K light has a blue hue. You can find LED lighting in a variety of hues. Therefore, you can easily vary the type of light your lamps and fixtures provide, depending on the room.

The environmental benefits of LED lighting

In their early days, LED bulbs were expensive. Couple that with a natural human resistance to change, and it was clear why their use wasn’t more widespread. Today, however, better manufacturing processes and economies of scale have made the lighting affordable. The bulbs are still more expensive than incandescent light bulbs, but they are more cost-effective because of their longevity.

Today, with all the concern about our changing environment and worries about pollution and energy conservation, you can feel good about using LED lighting, because it is energy-efficient. When you use a 60-watt incandescent light bulb, for example, it uses about 525 kilowatt-hours of energy annually. The comparable 60-watt LED bulb only uses approximately 65 kilowatt-hours of energy each year.

Carbon dioxide, a harmful waste product that is a major pollutant, is produced when electricity is generated. The less energy needed by a lightbulb, the less CO2 that is produced.

The efficiency of LED lights

An LED bulb is generally 80 to 90 per cent efficient, meaning that 80 per cent of the electrical energy is converted to light, with only 20 per cent lost as heat. For an incandescent bulb, the reverse is true: 20 per cent of the electrical energy used in converted to light and the remaining 80 per cent is lost to heat.

Given that LED bulbs don’t produce as much heat as incandescent bulbs, they burn cooler and are safer to use. Another ecologically friendly feature of LED bulbs is their composition. They are made of non-toxic materials and are 100 per cent recyclable.

LED lighting is also more cost-effective and convenient than incandescent or fluorescent lighting. LED lights are solid-state lights and are more stable light sources than incandescent or fluorescent lights, making them much longer-lasting. For example, a standard incandescent bulb has a longevity of about 750 hours while a comparable LED bulb can last between 50,000 and 100,000 hours. 100,000 hours translates to 11 years of operating continuously; imagine not changing a light bulb for more than a decade!

This longevity makes them perfect for hard to reach areas, such as in an atrium or a room with a cathedral ceiling.

LED’s work in challenging conditions

When it comes to sturdiness, LED lights top the charts. They are built with materials that can withstand challenging conditions, making them ideal for outdoor lighting.

They are impervious to wind, rain, shocks, and vibrations. They can also withstand extreme heat and extreme cold; in a hockey-mad country like Canada, they’re perfect for outdoor rinks. They can also run on low-voltage power with the aid of a solar-energy source, so they are useful in remote or rural areas.

Given the prevalence of LED lights these days, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding bulbs to fit your existing fixtures. Replacing an incandescent bulb with an LED light is as easy as unscrewing the former and screwing in the latter. It’s business as usual, in other words.

So, if your home isn’t using LED lighting at present, head over to your local hardware store and start saving money and energy right now.

For more information, or to get a home insurance quote, you can contact Square One.

Commonly asked questions

Do LED lights burn out?

LED lights will eventually burn out, but typically they last between 50,000 and 100,000 hours. That’s over 11 years of continuous operation, and as much as 130 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

Are there any disadvantages of LED light?

The main disadvantage of LED lighting in the home is the higher initial cost. As well, many LED bulbs are not compatible with dimmer switches. And finally, many LEDs emit more blue light than incandescent bulbs, which can disrupt one’s circadian rhythm if installed in the bedroom.

What colour LED light should I use?

Warm, yellow-ish lighting (2,500 K – 3,000 K) is best for relaxing, intimate spaces like a bedroom or living room. White or blue light (3,000 K – 5,000 K) is best for kitchens, bathrooms, or task lighting. Colour temperatures higher than 5,000 K are generally for industrial or commercial use.

Want to learn more? Visit our Home Improvement resource centre for tips and inspiration for your next big home improvement project. Or, get an online quote in under 5 minutes and find out how affordable personalized home insurance can be.