Common Myths About LED Lights
When discussing the cost of lighting, homeowners should consider two factors: the upfront cost and the long-term performance.
LED lights are relatively new in the lighting industry. As such, they are still plagued by many rumors, misconceptions, and myths. All this talk can easily dissuade a homeowner from getting these lights and experiencing their numerous benefits. So, let’s break down the common myths about LED lights and debunk them once and for all.
LED lights are too expensive
When discussing the cost of lighting, homeowners should consider two factors: the upfront cost and the long-term performance.
Going solely based on the upfront cost, yes, LED lights typically cost more (only moderately) than traditional lights. But homeowners should think of them as more of an investment. And that’s where the second factor comes into play.
LED lights are highly energy-efficient, allowing them to last significantly longer than traditional lights. LED light bulbs beat their incandescent competitors in two regards: they use far less energy to operate, and the majority of that energy goes toward producing light rather than heat. Incandescent bulbs can’t say the same since as much as 90% of their power goes toward heat production.
LED lights last indefinitely
Sure, LED lights boast a significantly longer lifespan than traditional lights. But this doesn’t mean they’ll last forever. Homeowners can easily find LED products claiming to last up to 50,000 hours. But in reality, this figure is closer to 25,000 hours. Still, this means years of use instead of the unremarkable 1,000 hours homeowners can get out of an incandescent bulb.
LED lights aren’t bright enough
Manufacturers use the Color Rendering Index (CRI) when rating light bulbs. This index measures how well indoor lighting compares against daylight. Of course, natural daylight is rated at 100. As for LED light bulbs, this figure is usually around 80. This rating is perfectly suitable for illuminating indoor spaces, provided homeowners choose the appropriate bulbs for their fixture or home setting in general.
On top of that, LED light bulbs aren’t all about shining the brightest. These lights can significantly enhance the home’s atmosphere. They can also be dimmed when necessary to provide ambiance.
LED lights can only fit specific fixtures
Homeowners thinking of switching to LED light bulbs probably want to avoid the hassle of replacing all their fixtures to accommodate this new technology. Fortunately, they can do just that.
LED light bulbs can generally fit any lighting fixture. With little time and effort, LED bulbs can replace most pin-type and screw-in incandescent bulbs.
However, there are other considerations to keep in mind when installing LED lighting. The correct voltage and wattage, the aesthetic appeal of the replacement, and the challenges of a dimmer system are just some of them.
For this reason, homeowners might benefit from hiring an expert electrician to take care of the LED lighting replacement and installation.
Zimmerman Electric is here to serve your residential and commercial electrical needs throughout the Phoenix Valley metro area. Call us today if you need electrical work performed 602-497-3365.
