LED or light emitting diodes are the new future of the lighting technology. They have started to replace the traditional ways of lighting. So far, we have used CFLs and incandescent bulbs.
The incandescent bulbs were used in the nineteenth and twentieth century. They were of less efficiency that they were replaced by compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), CCFLs and high-density discharge lamps. The CFLs popularized in the market as they claimed of energy saving and durability. There were massive distribution programs to promote it. The technology has taken a great step forward this time. The LEDs that was developed later are 50% more efficient and can burn for more hours than the others.
The LEDs were first used as indicators in the electronic devices. They are now used in aviation, traffic signals, headlights of automobiles, clocks, military, gaming etc.
There are several reasons why LED lamps hold importance in the present times. The foremost benefit is that the electricity bills would be lowered. A 20 watt LED bulb produces 1600 lumens a 100 watt incandescent bulb would. Higher the lumen, higher the light output. So a LED lamp produces the same amount of light as incandescent bulb with less energy use.
The traditional incandescent bulbs burn for 750 hours whereas the CFLs burn 8000 hours in a lifespan. In contrast, LED bulbs can burn for 50,000 hours. So it has a lifespan of over 6 years. Due to the long lifespan of LED, maintenance and replacement costs are saved.
The manufacturing of LED bulbs does not involve any chemicals whereas mercury is used in CFL lamps. The disposal of CFL lamps poses a problem as mercury is carcinogenic. LEDs are eco-friendly and recyclable. They are the green way of lighting. LEDs are shatterproof as they are not made out of solid materials. These bulbs do not require any color filters as they are made available in colors like green, blue, and amber and red.
LEDs are designed flexible and its mood illumination technologies are their striking features. It also has zero UV emission. The other major benefit of LED bulbs is that they are not affected by temperature, low voltage power supplies and are shockproof.
The bulbs provide light instantly when they are switched on. They do not require any warm-up period. The frequent switching of LED lights does not affect its life. The main problem of CFL lamps was that switching on and off it many times reduces its life. Many countries have now banned the use of incandescent bulbs and they have started to promote the use of LEDs even for residential use.
LEDs are more opted than the conventional methods of lighting but are more expensive now. The initial cost of purchasing a LED bulb is cut off by the reduction in the electricity bills and other costs such as replacement. They have revolutionized the lighting technology itself. Now it makes sense why LEDs are the future of the world.
