A
test by Consumer Reports in the USA has found that, although the majority of
consumers in America are using CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) in their homes,
LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are the better choice in the long-run. Despite
their higher price tag, the research recommended LED bulbs to American citizens
and states that “LEDs have some real advantages”. Figures are similar in the
UK; many households still use incandescent light bulbs, but with the last phase
of the EU ban now in place, mass switching to LED bulbs is taking place, and
many are discovering these advantages for themselves.
Unlike
many older bulbs, LED lamps do not have a filament, which means they cannot
burn out and they don’t produce any wasteful heat energy. The illumination is
caused solely by the movement of electrons within a semi-conductor, typically aluminium-gallium-arsenide.
As a result of this, LEDs have higher luminous efficiency than halogen or
incandescent bulbs, which required high levels of heated metal to become
illuminated. These older bulbs generated a lot of useless heat energy, making
the electricity demands unnecessarily high. The lack of heat output in the LED
light bulbs means that the electricity consumed can go directly to creating
light energy rather than creating heat for the purpose of creating light.
The
report in the US also remarked that, although LED bulbs cost slightly more than
halogen
bulbs, the money is well-invested as they last much longer. With life spans
of up to 50,000 hours (possible usage of over 20 years when used for an average
of 6 hours per day), the initially higher investment when purchasing an LED
bulb results in very high savings. These savings manifest themselves, both in
outright savings on purchasing less replacement bulbs, and also in energy and
electricity costs; a standard 4-watt LED GU10 light bulb can save the average
household around £135.00 over the course of its considerable lifespan, and will
produce the same level of illumination as a 40-watt bulb.
Many
of the consumers interviewed before the report expressed concern about
switching to LED bulbs because of the myth that they produce a cold and stark
light which doesn’t create an inviting home environment. However, the report
found this was a false allegation. "We found that some LEDs have the same
warm glow as incandescent," said Consumer Reports’ Dan DiCerico after the
research was published. Available in attractive colour temperatures such as
Warm White and Daylight, LED bulbs are fast losing their ‘bleak and cold’ tag
and are becoming favourites for those attempting to create a cosy and appealing
domestic atmosphere.
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