2013: The Year of the LED?

One of the most influential publications in the world, TIME magazine, has predicted that this will be the year in which everyone switches to LED light bulbs. The magazine has published a feature-length article which discusses the merits of the bulbs and examines the contributing factors behind 2013 being the year of the LED.

The LED is described as a bulb which takes the warm and cosy illumination offered by energy-guzzling incandescent light bulbs, and the incredible energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness of compact fluorescent bulbs, and combines them to create one all-purpose lighting solution. The negatives of both of these types of bulb have been eliminated; the inefficient nature of the incandescent light bulb is now an outdated echo from years which had never known the phrase ‘global warming’, whilst the ‘warm-up’ phase from the CFL bulb has been all but removed. LEDs provide instant warm light with a variety of temperatures, wattages, shapes and sizes available.

Though not yet the standard in American, or indeed the UK, the prevalence of these bulbs is growing every day as consumers wake up to the possibility of reducing their energy bills whilst protecting the environment and illuminating their home in an attractive way. Experts have calculated the energy savings that could be made by each LED bulb over the course of its life span, and the results are often many times the amount the bulb cost to purchase initially. A standard LED GU10 6-Watt Light Bulb, which is an alternative to the old 50-watt bulbs which have now been phased out, is estimated to save £158.40 over the course of its considerable life span.

The life span itself is also a vital advantage for the LED. The lighting solutions which are used every day, such as overhead lounge lights or under cupboard kitchen lights are required to have long life spans; if a standard 6-watt LED light bulb was used for five hours every day, it would last for just over sixteen years. These figures are even more astounding for things such as bathroom lighting, which is not consistently used, or feature lighting which is used decoratively and not in an extensive manner; life spans for bulbs used for these purposes can reach more than twenty years.

The prices of LEDs are also decreasing as they become easier to manufacture due to more technological developments. A standard LED GLS 6-Watt Light Bulb, which is used as an alternative to traditional 60-watt bulbs, costs a little over £12.99, and with consideration given to the life span and the energy savings these bulbs boast, they can be said to have paid for themselves within a year.  With the initial prices decreasing and the energy savings ever attractive to consumers, TIME magazine’s prediction that 2013 will be the year of the LED might not be far wide of the mark.

The Right Bulb For The Right Purpose

Light bulbs are a integral to the overall ambience of a home. They can be used to create effective mood lighting, and with clever use of colour temperatures they can give a room a very specific ‘feel’. But this can only be achieved by matching the right lighting solution to the right room. This guide outlines the main rooms in the house and offers suggestions on how to make the best of the space using just the most basic of solutions; light.

Living Room

The living room is the heart of the house, the place where the majority of people spend most of their time, and the place where most entertaining takes place. As such,the living room should be a warm and inviting space where people feel comfortable and relaxed. Light bulbs with warm temperatures are a great choice for living spaces; in previous years this could usually be achieved with an incandescent light bulb, which has a temperature of 2,700 Kelvins, but with advances in lighting technology, energy-saving LED light bulbs can now be used to replicate this comforting and hospitable ambience.

Bedroom

The bedroom is also a place for a warm ambience, but without the brightness and vitality which is associated with living spaces. Mood lighting, feature lamps and dimmable LED light bulbs are recommended  for the bedroom, as they can be tailored to the demands of the room. Getting ready for work on a dark winter morning will require a higher level of light than reclining in bed reading a book or catching up with some television; the flexible level of light offered by these different lighting solutions is befitting of this multipurpose room.

Kitchen

The kitchen is also a well-used room in the house, with many people choosing to double up this room as a dining room. Cooking and eating requires a high level of light, with bright and vibrant daylight shades often chosen for the kitchen. Energy-saving daylight bulbs keep the room brightly illuminated and create a fresh ambience perfect for early evening meals or revitalising breakfasts. Installing track lighting on the underside of kitchen cabinets is also a great lighting solution for this space, and gives people optimum illumination for preparing their meals.

Bathroom

The bathroom is a tricky room to light because of the excess condensation and steam which will inevitably be a frequent occurrence. Downlighters are a great solution for this room, as their waterproof qualities prevent any electrical malfunctions, and they can be spaced at intervals which offer even and constant light. Lighted mirrors are also a popular choice, with LED technology incorporated into the mirrored surface to leave no dark spots or hidden areas when shaving or applying make-up.

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