Upgrading to LED Light Bulbs (including why you should)

Every homeowner worries about their expenses.  Nowadays when bills  (especially electrical bills) are skyrocketing, everyone would like to save money.   Incandescent or halogen light bulbs have been the choice for decades but times have definitely changed.  LED light bulbs are now gaining popularity amongst homeowners.  Yes, LED light bulb prices were astronomical when they were first released, but in the recent years, technology has brought us more energy efficient LED bulbs with much cheaper prices.  It just makes sense to switch over.

Let’s look at some of the benefits of using LED.  

• LED bulbs are 90 percent more efficient than halogen.  Tungsten filaments in halogen bulbs are heated by electricity and then light is produced.  However, only 10% of the energy in halogen bulbs are converted to light, so the rest just generates heat.  LED bulbs’ efficiency can be as high as 80% since LED doesn’t use these tungsten filaments.

• A LED bulb can be turned on and off frequently without shortening its lifespan.  Since LED bulbs do not use tungsten element, this means it requires less voltage and current compared to halogen bulbs.  Therefore, LED bulbs won’t get damaged at all by frequent switching.

• LED bulbs last up to 25 to 50 times longer than halogen.  Compared to halogen light bulbs which only last up to 2,000 - 6,000 hours, LED bulbs can last up to 50,000 hours.

• LED bulbs don’t heat up much.  Even after use, it stays cool to the touch, so it is less likely to burn or cause fire, and in summer, we certainly don’t want to heat up a room any more.

• LED bulbs are not sensitive to cold temperature.  So, no matter where you are in Australia, LED bulbs can very much adapt, but the cooler the temperature, the longer these LED bulbs last.

• LED bulbs do not contain mercury, so there are no toxic substances. They don't generate RF wavelengths that cause radio interference, or emit ultraviolet (UV) light >  so LEDs will not attract bugs and other insects as well.

• LED bulbs have lower power consumption, and requires a minimum start up current, so again are so much more energy efficient.

• Some models can be used for dimmer switches. Be careful though, because not all models are compatible with traditional dimming switches.  If you want your LED bulbs to work with a dimmer, you’ll need to find LED bulbs compatible with traditional dimmers, or you’ll need to replace your current dimming switch with a LED-compatible dimmer.  (Just ask me, happy to advise).

• LED bulbs are able to endure vibrations and rough handling because it doesn’t have fragile wire filaments that stretch and weaken over time.

LED bulbs also have different hues to choose from.  Indeed, it is a little more expensive initially, but it is actually cheaper overall because you won’t have to keep replacing old bulbs, they definitely last longer and are more economic.  If you do have questions about upgrading to LEDs, just contact me – I can definitely help you choose the best quality LED lightbulbs for your home, office or restaurant.