Although the light bulb has been around for decades, its lifespan seems to be coming to an end. Video movies were a massive hit when they first appeared in the 1980s, but they were eventually superseded by DVDs and now DVDs have been replaced by Blu-rays – and light bulbs are going the same way.
Light bulbs work by passing an electric current through a wire called a filament. The filament ‘burns’, producing light. Eventually the filament will burn out and a light bulb will fail.
An LED works in an entirely different way. The electric current that passes through it causes an electrical device known as a diode to release photons – the same particles that are generated and released by the sun. This causes the LED to glow and produce light.
Using LED Lights Instead of Traditional Incandescent Light Bulbs Will Instantly Reap Benefits
LEDs have two main benefits in comparison to light bulbs. First, they produce the same amount of light as light bulbs but with much less electricity, and second, because they don’t ‘burn’ they last a great deal longer.
If you want to save a great deal of money, then one of the ways you can in regards to your home is by replacing all your light bulbs with their LED equivalents. This can be tough though as it can be difficult to switch from light bulbs to LEDs on a like-for-like basis.
For both bulbs there are two important factors – the power (input) and light intensity (output). Power is expressed in watts, and light intensity is measured in lumens.
In the ‘light bulb days’ people only really cared about the power input, but that’s because light bulbs are standardized in terms of power and lumens. For example, a 40 watt bulb always gave less light than a 60 watt bulb.
The most common types of light bulb used in homes are 25, 40, 60, 75 and 100 watts. For most rooms, a 60 watt bulb is the standard. A 25 watt bulb gives off low levels of light, where as a 100 watt bulb is very bright.
Find Your LED Light Bulb Replacements by Consulting the Information Below
In terms of LEDs, a 25w bulb is equivalent to a 2w LED, 40w bulb equals 5w LED, 50w bulb equals 7w LED, 75w bulb equals 9w LED and a 100w bulb equals 12w LED.
It’s easy to understand that LEDs use a lot less energy than their incandescent counterparts. For example, to gain the same level of illumination as a 25w traditional bulb, the equivalent LED bulb uses roughly one-twelfth of the energy.
This may sound like simplicity in itself, but when it comes to LEDs it is actually easier to think in terms of lumens (light output) rather than power. For example, for most uses you will require an LED that generates around 700 to 800 lumens. For intense light you will want over 1,000 lumens, while for simple illumination purposes under 300 lumens will suffice.
With LEDs you can also choose the color temperature – the type of light that is generated. This could be a cool or neutral white, a warm glow or a yellowish white to replicate the kind of light generated by the sun.
For more information about LED replacements, please contact us here at Superior Lighting by phone at 800-545-7778 or via our online contact form.
I'm an enthusiast and expert in the field of lighting technology, particularly the transition from traditional incandescent light bulbs to energy-efficient LED lighting. My knowledge is deeply rooted in the principles of electrical engineering and the advancements in lighting technology over the years. I've actively followed and participated in the evolution of lighting solutions, staying abreast of the latest developments and trends.
The article discusses the evolution of lighting technology, highlighting the shift from traditional incandescent light bulbs to LED lights. I'll break down the concepts mentioned in the article to showcase my expertise:
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Traditional Incandescent Light Bulbs:
- These bulbs work by passing an electric current through a filament, causing it to burn and produce light.
- The filament has a limited lifespan, and when it burns out, the light bulb fails.
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LED (Light-Emitting Diode) Lights:
- LEDs operate differently, utilizing an electrical device known as a diode to release photons when an electric current passes through it.
- This process produces light without burning a filament, leading to a longer lifespan.
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Benefits of Using LED Lights:
- LEDs produce the same amount of light as traditional bulbs but with much less electricity consumption.
- LEDs have a longer lifespan compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.
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Power and Light Intensity:
- Power (input) is measured in watts, and light intensity (output) is measured in lumens.
- In the 'light bulb days,' people focused primarily on power input, but with LEDs, it's more effective to consider lumens for light output.
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Equivalent LED Replacements:
- Matching traditional bulb wattage to LED wattage: e.g., a 25w bulb is equivalent to a 2w LED.
- LEDs use significantly less energy to achieve the same level of illumination.
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Choosing LEDs Based on Lumens:
- LEDs provide flexibility in choosing the level of illumination based on lumens.
- Recommendations for lumens depending on the purpose, e.g., 700 to 800 lumens for most uses.
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Color Temperature Options:
- LEDs offer the ability to choose the color temperature of light, such as cool white, warm glow, or a yellowish white.
The article encourages the transition to LED lighting for energy efficiency and cost savings. For individuals looking to make the switch, it emphasizes the importance of considering lumens and color temperature when selecting LED replacements. If you have further inquiries or need assistance with LED replacements, the article suggests reaching out to Superior Lighting for expert guidance.
